Pennsylvania Psychiatry EOR Practice Test 2026 - Free Psychiatry EOR Practice Questions and Study Guide

The diagnosis of a dependent personality disorder is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of. This condition leads to submissive behaviors and a strong fear of separation, which results in an inability to express disagreement or assert individual opinions. Individuals with this disorder often rely heavily on others for decision-making and support, fearing that being alone may lead to helplessness or abandonment.

This submissiveness and the fear of losing the care and support of others are central to the disorder, distinguishing it from other conditions. For example, avoidant personality disorder involves a greater emphasis on social inhibition and sensitivity to negative evaluation, while borderline personality disorder is characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions. Histrionic personality disorder is marked by excessive emotional attention-seeking, which is not a defining trait of dependent personality disorder.

Thus, the symptoms described in the question align closely with the diagnostic criteria for dependent personality disorder, supporting the conclusion that this is the correct answer.