Dependent personality

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a mental disorder characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation. This condition is classified under the Cluster B personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which includes a range of personality disorders characterized by dramatic, overly emotional, or unpredictable thinking or behavior.

Symptoms

Individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder often display a variety of symptoms, including:

• Difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others.
• Need for others to assume responsibility for most major areas of their life.
• Difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval.
• Difficulty initiating projects or doing things on their own due to a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy.
• Going to great lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant.
• Feeling uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for themselves.
• Urgently seeking another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends.
• Unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of themselves.

Causes

The exact cause of Dependent Personality Disorder is unknown, but it is believed to be a result of a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. These may include:

• A history of chronic physical illness or separation anxiety during childhood.
• Family dynamics, such as overprotective or authoritarian parenting styles, which may inhibit the development of independence.
• Genetic predisposition to anxiety and depressive disorders, which may be inherited.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Dependent Personality Disorder is typically made by a qualified mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, based on a comprehensive clinical interview and diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5. Criteria include a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts.

Treatment

Treatment for Dependent Personality Disorder may involve a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and self-help strategies. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is often considered the treatment of choice. CBT can help individuals recognize and change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to treat co-occurring conditions, such as anxiety or depression. Support groups and self-help strategies, such as building social skills and independence, can also be beneficial.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder can learn to develop healthier relationships and increase their independence. The prognosis varies depending on the severity of the disorder and the individual's willingness to engage in treatment.