Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a mental health condition where a person heavily relies on others for emotional support, guidance, and everyday decisions.
They often struggle with a deep fear of being abandoned and may go to extreme lengths to hold on to relationships, even if they’re unhealthy. This constant need for reassurance can take a serious toll on their mental health and make it hard for them to feel truly independent or confident on their own.
What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?
Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a psychological condition 1 Disney K. L. (2013). Dependent personality disorder: a critical review. Clinical psychology review, 33(8), 1184–1196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2013.10.001 characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of. Individuals with DPD often display submissive and clingy behavior, relying on others for decision-making and reassurance. This dependency can impact long-term mental health functioning—hindering the development of independent coping skills and self-confidence and triggering the development of mental health disorders like depression, separation anxiety, etc.
Dependent Personality Disorder Symptoms
The common 2 Fariba, K., Gupta, V., & Kass, E. (2020). Personality Disorder. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556058/ DPD symptoms include:
- Always Seeking Reassurance: Constantly looking for approval, support, or validation from others.
- Struggles With Decision-Making: Even small choices feel overwhelming without someone else’s input.
- Puts Others First – Always: Often goes along with what others want, even when it means ignoring personal needs or desires.
- Terrified of Being Left: A deep fear of abandonment that can lead to clingy or desperate behavior to keep people close.
- Avoids Taking Responsibility: Tends to lean on others to handle everyday tasks or decisions.
- Hard Time Starting Things Alone: Feels unsure or hesitant to begin new projects without encouragement.
- Low Self-Confidence: Struggles with self-worth and often doubts their own abilities unless constantly supported.
- Stays, Even When It Hurts: May tolerate neglect or mistreatment just to avoid being alone or losing the relationship.
Causes Of Dependent Personality Disorder
The common 3 Afonso, B. R., Carvalho, R. S., & Silva, F. M. (2023). Dependent Personality Disorder and Intimate Partner Violence: the “Perfect Marriage”. European Psychiatry, 66(Suppl 1), S968. https://doi.org/10.1192/j.eurpsy.2023.2057 causes of dependent personality disorder include:
- A genetic tendency to inherit certain mental health challenges
- Early attachment issues or overly controlling, protective parenting styles
- Naturally shy, sensitive, or passive personality traits
- Exposure to trauma, long-term stress, or difficult childhood experiences
- A family history of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or personality disorders
- Dealing with chronic physical illnesses during childhood
How Does Dependent Personality Disorder Affect Mental Health?
DPD symptoms can impact mental health in a number of ways 4 A Widiger T. (2011). Personality and psychopathology. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 10(2), 103–106. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2051-5545.2011.tb00024.x :
- Lack of Independence: Finds it hard to make decisions or take action without someone else’s input.
- Struggles with Self-Esteem: Constantly needing validation from others can chip away at their sense of self-worth.
- Takes Criticism Personally: Even gentle feedback can feel like rejection, triggering anxiety or fear of being abandoned.
- Easily Taken Advantage Of: Submissive tendencies can make them vulnerable to manipulation or exploitation.
- Social Circles Stay Small: Depending heavily on one or two people often leads to limited social interaction.
- Constant Worry: The fear of losing support or being alone can lead to ongoing stress and anxiety.
- Relationships Feel Heavy: The emotional dependency can become overwhelming for partners, friends, or family.
- Work Struggles: Hesitation to take initiative or make decisions at work may hold them back professionally.
- Risk Of Depression: Chronic dependency can contribute to feelings of helplessness and despair 5 Versaevel, C., Martin, J. B., & Lajugie, C. (2017). Liens entre la dépression et la dépendance interpersonnelle : l’importance du locus de contrôle [Links between depressive disorders and dependent personality disorders: The important effect of locus of control]. L’Encephale, 43(3), 217–222. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.encep.2015.12.014 .
Read More About Self-Esteem Here
How To Diagnose Dependent Personality Disorder
Diagnosing dependent personality disorder (DPD) typically involves a comprehensive assessment conducted by mental health professionals. These assessments consider the duration and intensity of symptoms, their impact on daily functioning, and any underlying factors contributing to the dependency.
Clinicians rely on clinical interviews to gather information about the individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Specific criteria 6 Ramsay, G., & Jolayemi, A. (2020). Personality Disorders Revisited: A Newly Proposed Mental Illness. Cureus, 12(8), e9634. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.9634 outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) are used to identify key dependent personality disorder symptoms. Additionally, self-report questionnaires and input from close friends or family may provide valuable insights.
The diagnostic process also involves ruling out other mental health conditions and considering the context of the individual’s life. Since DPD shares features with other personality disorders and mood disorders, careful differential diagnosis is crucial.
Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment
Dependent personality disorder treatment usually encompasses a combination of 7 Durvasula R. S. (2017). Personality Disorders and Health: Lessons Learned and Future Directions. Behavioral medicine (Washington, D.C.), 43(3), 227–232. https://doi.org/10.1080/08964289.2017.1337403 :
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) targets negative thought patterns and behaviors, promoting independence and self-efficacy.
- Psychodynamic therapy explores underlying emotional conflicts and attachment issues contributing to dependency.
- Group therapy provides a supportive environment for individuals with dependent personality disorder to share experiences, learn from others, and develop social skills.
- Family therapy involves family members to address dynamics that may contribute to dependency and to promote healthier relationship patterns.
- Medication such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to address co-occurring symptoms such as depression or anxiety.
Read More About Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Here
How To Overcome Dependent Personality Disorder
Consider the following tips 8 Johnson, S. C., & Elbogen, E. B. (2013). Personality disorders at the interface of psychiatry and the law: legal use and clinical classification. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 15(2), 203–211. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2013.15.2/sjohnson on how to overcome dependent personality disorder:
- Acknowledge DPD: Recognize and accept the presence of dependent personality disorder as a crucial first step.
- Skills Training: Participate in programs to enhance autonomy, decision-making, and assertiveness skills.
- Gradual Exposure: Confront and overcome fears of independence through small, gradual steps.
- Build A Support Network: Cultivate a diverse network for encouragement and guidance in fostering independence.
- Self-Reflection: Engage in introspection to identify and challenge negative beliefs about capabilities and self-worth.
- Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable goals to promote personal growth and autonomy.
- Mindfulness Techniques: Learn and practice mindfulness to manage anxiety and stress, facilitating emotion regulation.
Read More About Mindfulness Here
Living With Someone With Dependent Personality Disorder
Living with someone with dependent personality disorder (DPD) involves navigating the challenges 9 Geurtzen, N., Keijsers, G. P. J., Karremans, J. C., & Hutschemaekers, G. J. M. (2018). Patients’ care dependency in mental health care: Development of a self-report questionnaire and preliminary correlates. Journal of clinical psychology, 74(7), 1189–1206. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22574 of offering emotional and practical support while encouraging independence. Caregivers may find themselves in a delicate balance, promoting open communication, setting boundaries, and supporting the individual’s engagement in therapy. Patience and understanding are key in fostering a supportive environment that encourages gradual growth towards independence.
Takeaway
Dependent Personality Disorder can make autonomy and decision-making feel overwhelming. But with the right support, like psychotherapy, life skills training, and a strong personal network, those challenges can be managed and even overcome.
Building self-awareness, setting achievable goals, and practicing mindfulness are all powerful tools for growth. With a compassionate, holistic approach, individuals with DPD can foster independence and strengthen their overall mental well-being.
At A Glance
- Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is characterized by an excessive need for care, leading to submissive behaviors and reliance on others.
- Dependent personality disorder symptoms include seeking constant reassurance, difficulty making decisions, and a fear of abandonment.
- Causes of dependent personality disorder comprise genetic heritability, early attachment disruptions, and environmental stressors.
- The disorder can impact mental health by limiting independence, fostering low self-esteem, and increasing vulnerability to exploitation.
- Dependent personality disorder treatment encompasses psychotherapy, medication, and support groups.
- Measures on how to overcome dependent personality disorder involve acknowledging the disorder, skills training, building a support network, self-reflection, setting realistic goals, and practicing mindfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do people with dependent personality disorder remain dependent for their whole lives?
People with dependent personality disorder can improve with treatment, but the degree of dependency may vary throughout their lives.
2. Who is most at risk of dependent personality disorder?
Individuals with a history of early attachment disruptions, chronic stress, or overly protective parenting may be more at risk of developing dependent personality disorder.
3. What is the opposite of dependent personality disorder?
The opposite of dependent personality disorder is typically considered self-sufficiency or assertiveness.
4. Is dependent personality disorder hereditary?
While genetic factors may play a role, dependent personality disorder is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors.
