Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

People with dependent personality disorder share similarities with which other personality disorder?

1. Antisocial personality disorder

2. Narcissistic personality disorder

3. Histrionic personality disorder

4. Obsessive-compulsive disorder

The correct answer is: Histrionic personality disorder

People with dependent personality disorder do share certain similarities with histrionic personality disorder, primarily in how both disorders express their need for attention and validation. Individuals with dependent personality disorder exhibit a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive behaviors and a fear of separation. This often results in difficulties making decisions independently and a tendency to go to great lengths to obtain support from others. On the other hand, those with histrionic personality disorder crave attention and seek approval from others through their behavior, which can be dramatic or theatrical. Although the motivations differ—dependents require reassurance and support, while histrionics seek attention—the common thread is a reliance on relationships and an anxiety over abandonment or rejection. Both personality types tend to exhibit emotional expressiveness and may struggle with self-image, often depending heavily on the perceived opinions of others to define their self-worth. This relational dynamic and emotional dependency help to explain the connection between dependent and histrionic personality disorders, making this the correct answer in the context of the question.