What is a primary characteristic of dependent personality disorder?

A primary characteristic of dependent personality disorder is an excessive need for care from others. Individuals with this disorder often struggle with separation and have difficulty making decisions without a lot of advice and reassurance from others. They tend to rely heavily on others for emotional and physical support, leading to submissive behaviors and a fear of disapproval or abandonment. This characteristic can significantly impact their ability to function independently and maintain healthy relationships, as they may stay in unhealthy situations to avoid being alone.

The other options describe traits associated with different personality disorders; for instance, exaggerated self-worth and entitlement are typically linked to narcissistic personality disorder, while overemphasis on perfectionism and rules can indicate obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. Severe anxiety in unfamiliar situations may suggest social anxiety disorder rather than dependent personality disorder. Each of these disorders has its own distinct features that differentiate them from dependent personality disorder, making the excessive need for care the defining characteristic in this context.