Dependent Personality Disorder
By Vanessa Gonzalez
Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is diagnosed when an Individual has an excessive need to be taken care of and an over-reliance on others.
The individual may need constant reassurance, feel helpless, doubt their abilities, and have an intense fear of abandonment. Others may describe this person as 'clingy 'or 'needy.' it often manifests as 'clinging' behavior or fear of separation. For someone to be diagnosed with this disorder, these feelings must be causing significant distress in their lives.
While there may be some shared symptoms with other personality disorders, it's essential to recognize the distinctive characteristics.
Symptoms of DPD
Some symptoms include:
· Extreme fear of abandonment· Overly passive· Over sensitivity to criticism· Difficulty making decisions independently· Needs others to make important decisions for them· Extreme and intense sadness after someone leaves· Difficulty doing things alone or beginning projects on their own· Difficulty disagreeing with others for fear of abandonment· Difficulty arguing with others for fear of abandonment· People pleasing· Put others before themselves at the cost of their own wellbeing· Constantly seeking out relationships, regardless of if they are unhealthy· Excessive fear of having to take care of themselves· Difficult being alone
The causes of DPD are unknown. Some researchers believe that it is developed due to a combination of factors. However, it is thought that an authoritarian or overprotective parenting style can lead to DPD traits and a combination of biological, developmental, psychological, and temperamental factors.
Treatment
Psychotherapy can be beneficial for dependent personality disorders. Specifically, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can help the individual focus on their maladaptive thinking pattern that underlie the traits of the disorder. For example, the reasons why they don't want to be alone or why they put others' needs before their own.
Typically, people with this personality disorder do not seek counseling to treat the disorder specifically. Instead, they usually seek counseling due to a specific issue caused by the disorder, and they want to fix it.
Typically, treatment for this disorder requires long-term treatment. Also, the individual may have another comorbid diagnosis so medications may be prescribed. If you need help, seek help from a medical professional. They can help you find the tools to take control of your life and decisions.
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