Dependent Personality Disorder
Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is an anxious personality disorder that exhibits an inability to be alone and excessive reliance on others for comfort and support. Unlike insecurity, which is common, there’s a need for reassurance to function.
People with DPD often feel helpless, submissive and incapable of taking care of themselves. They may have trouble making simple decisions. However, the condition is treatable with psychotherapy (talk therapy). Medication may help as well.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with this condition normally first show signs in early to mid-adulthood.
Symptoms
A condition must fall into one of the following clusters to be classified as a personality disorder:
Cluster A: odd or eccentric behavior
Cluster B: emotional or erratic behavior
Cluster C: anxious, nervous behavior
DPD belongs to cluster C. Signs of this disorder include:
- behaving submissively
- relying on friends or family for decision-making
- needing repeated reassurance
- being easily hurt by disapproval
- feeling isolated and nervous when alone
- fearing rejection
- being overly sensitivity to criticism
- being unable to be alone
- having a tendency to be naïve
- fearing abandonment
People with DPD may require constant reassurance. They can become devastated when relationships and friendships are severed.
When alone, a person with DPD may experience:
- nervousness
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- fear
- hopelessness
Some of these symptoms are the same for people with anxiety disorders. People with medical conditions such as depression or menopause may also experience some of these symptoms. Contact your doctor to receive a specific diagnosis if you experience any of the above symptoms.
It’s unknown what causes people to develop DPD. However, experts cite both biological and developmental factors.
Some risk factors that might contribute to the development of this disorder include:
- having a history of neglect
- having an abusive upbringing
- being in a long-term, abusive relationship
- having overprotective or authoritarian parents
- having a family history of anxiety disorders
Treatment Options
Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms. Psychotherapy is often the first course of action. Therapy can help you better understand your condition. It can also teach you new ways to build healthy relationships with others and improve your self-esteem.
Psychotherapy is usually used on a short-term basis. Long-term therapy could put you at risk of growing dependent on your therapist.
Medications can help relieve anxiety and depression, but are generally used as a last resort. Your therapist or doctor may prescribe you a medication to treat panic attacks that result from extreme anxiety. Some medications for anxiety and depression are habit-forming, so you may have to see your doctor regularly while taking them to prevent prescription dependence.
Complications that can arise from untreated DPD are:
- anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, avoidant personality disorder, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)
- depression
- substance abuse
- phobias
Early treatment can prevent many of these complications from developing. The cause of DPD is unknown, which makes it difficult to prevent the condition from developing. However, recognizing and treating symptoms early can prevent the condition from worsening.
People with DPD generally improve with treatment. Many of the symptoms associated with the condition will decrease as treatment continues.
----Supporting someone with DPD----
DPD can be overwhelming. As with other personality disorders, many people are uncomfortable seeking help for their symptoms. This can affect quality of life and increase the long-term risks for anxiety and depression.
If you suspect a loved one might have DPD, it’s important to encourage them to seek treatment before their condition worsens. This can be a sensitive matter for someone with DPD, especially since they seek constant approval and don’t want to disappoint their loved ones. Focus on the positive aspects to let your loved one know they’re not being rejected.