What is dependent personality disorder?

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is one of the most frequently diagnosed personality disorders. This disorder creates feelings of helplessness and submissiveness, creates a need to be cared for and reassured continually, and is incapable of making ordinary decisions without obtaining an overwhelming amount of advice and reassurance from other people.

This personality disorder affects both men and women and typically becomes more evident in young adulthood or later as other important adult relationships develop.

What are the symptoms of dependent personality disorder?

Someone with dependent personality disorder may exhibit several behavioral symptoms, including:

Trouble making everyday decisions, like what to wear, without constant reassurance and advice from others.

• Difficulty initiating tasks on their own.
• Extreme fear of not being able to fend for themselves.
• Going about or doing undesirable things to gain love and support from others.
• Looking for others to assume responsibilities of life.
• Avoiding showing discontentment or disagreement in relationships lest the relationship is lost.
• Dread of being left alone.
• Fear of abandonment with a feeling of hopelessness when relationships are severed.

People with DPD have a tendency to socialize only with a few whom they are dependent on. They also tolerate physical, sexual or emotional abuse as they never want to lose the connection.

What causes Dependent personality disorder?

Dependent Personality Disorder, as well as other personality disorders, happens to be the least researched mental health condition. However researchers believe that DPD has developed due to a range of factors that include;

People with a history of abused relationships have a higher risk of receiving the DPD diagnosis.

• Child abuse, including verbal abuse or neglect in childhood: children exposed to abuse or neglect at a very early age may develop DPD. It can also occur to those who have suffered a life-threatening disease when young.
• Genetics: In cases where an individual's biological family member suffers from DPD or any anxiety disorder, there is an increased likelihood of them being diagnosed with DPD.
• Certain cultural, religious or family behaviors: People may develop DPD due to the cultural or religious practices that stress dependence on authority.

How is dependent personality disorder diagnosed?

The physician will perform a physical check-up to determine if any underlying medical condition is causing symptoms, such as anxiety. Tests for hormone imbalances are often included in this procedure. If the tests prove inconclusive, the doctor is likely to refer the patient to a mental health specialist.

A psychiatrist or psychologist usually diagnoses DPD. In diagnosing, the professional will consider your symptoms, history, and mental status.

Diagnosis begins with a detailed history of your symptoms. This includes how long you’ve been experiencing them and how they came about. Your doctor may also ask questions about your childhood and your present life.

What is the treatment for dependent personality disorder?

Treating personality disorders is difficult because people with these conditions have deep-rooted patterns of thinking and behavior that have existed for many years.

The most effective treatment for people with DPD is with the help of loved ones. Treatment generally involves psychotherapy and sometimes medication.

Psychotherapy for DPD

Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is the preferred treatment for personality disorders. The aim of the treatment is to assist you in discovering the motives and fears behind your thoughts and behavior. You also can learn to interact with other people more constructively.

Two specific forms of psychotherapy that may help people with DPD are:

• Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. Through self-reflection, you look into problematic relationships and behavior patterns in your life. This helps you better understand yourself. It can help you change how you relate to other people and your environment.
• CBT: This is a type of structured, goal-oriented therapy. The therapist or psychologist will assist you in closely examining your thoughts and emotions. You'll find out how your thoughts actually drive your behavior. With CBT, you can unlearn those negative thoughts and behaviors. You will learn how to replace them with healthier thought patterns and habits. Therapy for DPD will probably focus on the fears of independence and difficulties in asserting oneself.

There's no known medication yet to treat personality disorders. But, for example, people with DPD often experience depression and anxiety. Treatment for these could make the treatment for DPD more effective.

In order to benefit best, however, take medications along with psychotherapy.

Can dependent personality disorder be prevented?

You cannot stop dependent personality disorder. However, treatment can reduce the problems that it creates. Getting early help when symptoms first occur may reduce the interference in their life, family and friends.

What is the prognosis for dependent personality disorder?

The prognosis (chance of recovery) for dependent personality disorder is based on whether or not it is treated.

Without treatment, DPD can lead to:

• Other mental health conditions such as depression and substance use disorder
• Difficulty in relationships.
• Higher probability of receiving physical, emotional or sexual abuse.

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