What is dependent personality disorder?

What is dependent personality disorder? Symptoms, Causes, Treatments and Managements
dependent personality disorder


Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a mental health condition characterized by a long-standing pattern of excessive emotional dependence on other people. People with DPD tend to be submissive and clingy and have difficulty making decisions or taking care of themselves without the help of others. They may fear abandonment and go to great lengths to avoid being alone. DPD is diagnosed based on a person's behavior, thoughts, and feelings, and it is typically treated with therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy. Medications may also be used to help manage symptoms, but they are usually not the primary treatment.

 Symptoms:

The symptoms of dependent personality disorder (DPD) include:

  1. Difficulty making decisions without the help of others
  2. Difficulty taking responsibility for oneself
  3. Difficulty expressing disagreement with others
  4. Fear of abandonment and a need to be taken care of
  5. Difficulty initiating projects or doing things on one's own
  6. Inability to tolerate being alone
  7. Difficulty disagreeing with others
  8. Submissiveness and a willingness to go along with what others want
  9. Difficulty starting or completing tasks without help
  10. Difficulty dealing with changes
  11. Submissive and clinging behavior in relationships.

 Causes:

Some possible contributing factors include:

·         Childhood experiences: Individuals who were raised in an environment where they were excessively coddled or controlled may be more likely to develop dependent personality disorder.

·         Genetics: Some research suggests that there may be a genetic component to the development of this disorder.

·         Brain chemistry: Imbalances in certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, may contribute to the development of dependent personality disorder.

·         Trauma and abuse: Individuals who have experienced traumatic events or abuse may be more likely to develop dependent personality disorder as a coping mechanism.

 Treatments and Managements:

Treatment for dependent personality disorder typically involves talk therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychoanalytic therapy. Medications may also be prescribed to help manage certain symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be helpful in treating dependent personality disorder as it can help individuals learn to become more independent, set boundaries, and develop problem-solving skills. CBT can also help individuals learn to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their dependence on others.

Psychoanalytic therapy can also be used as a form of treatment, as it can help individuals understand how their past experiences may have contributed to the development of their dependent personality.

In addition, medication can be used to help manage symptoms such as anxiety and depression, which may be present in individuals with dependent personality disorder.

Other forms of treatments like Group therapy, Family therapy and support groups may also be beneficial for individuals with dependent personality disorder.