What is a defining trait of Dependent Personality Disorder?

A defining trait of Dependent Personality Disorder is the overwhelming need to be taken care of, which often leads to a fear of independence. Individuals with this disorder may rely heavily on others for emotional support and decision-making, fearing that they cannot function without someone else managing their lives. This need for care can manifest in clinging behaviors, difficulty expressing disagreement, and the avoidance of personal responsibility, all driven by a deep-seated anxiety about being alone or self-sufficient.

In contrast, the other options describe different characteristics not specific to Dependent Personality Disorder. For instance, the need for attention through appearance pertains more to Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Histrionic Personality Disorder. The desire to accumulate wealth and objects is not a core feature of any personality disorder but might be seen in individuals with traits of Materialism or even certain behavioral disorders. Lastly, a sense of superiority and entitlement relates to Narcissistic Personality Disorder, where individuals may harbor grandiose beliefs about themselves rather than a dependency on others. Thus, option C is the one that most accurately captures the essence of Dependent Personality Disorder.