Cluster C personality disorders Quiz: Ace Your Exams

A 23-year-old woman is brought to the emergency room by her partner because of a self-inflicted laceration of the left wrist. The patient states that she knew her partner was having sexual thoughts about the woman from the grocery store, prompting her decision to cut her own wrist in an attempt to end her life. Past medical history is significant for a similar emergency department visit a few months ago when she was struggling with online dating. She does not drink alcohol or use illicit substances. During the interview, she is teary-eyed and apologizes for “making a scene.” She expresses gratitude to the physician for her care, and she expresses regret for her actions. The patient states that she always struggles with her romantic relationships though she deeply desires them. After a complete physical examination and appropriate wound care for the laceration, the physician tells the patient that she will have to stay in the psychiatric emergency department for the night, which makes her furious, resulting in verbal assault of the physician and the nurses by the patient. Which of the following answer choices best characterizes the pattern of behavior exhibited by this patient?