Treating Dependent Personality Disorder
What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?
Are you or someone you love having trouble engaging in healthy relationships? Do you agonize over making independent decisions? Do you experience a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of?
Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) develops in early adulthood, and it’s characterized by a significant need for reassurance and support from others, leading to an inability to make independent decisions and take responsibility for one’s own life. People with DPD often experience difficulty expressing opinions, initiating projects, and assuming leadership positions. They may also avoid tasks that require self-reliance and instead rely on others to meet their basic needs.
Causes of Dependent Personality Disorder
The exact cause of DPD is not fully understood, but there are several factors that are believed to contribute to its development, and research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. It’s important to note that while these factors may contribute to the development of DPD, it’s not a guarantee that an individual will develop the disorder. Other factors, such as personality traits and life experiences, may also play a role in the development of DPD.
Genetic Predisposition: Individuals with a family history of personality disorders are at an increased risk of developing DPD.
Childhood trauma or neglect: A person who experienced childhood trauma or neglect may develop a belief that they are unable to take care of themselves and need someone else to do it for them.
Overprotective or authoritarian parenting: People who were raised by overprotective or authoritarian parents may not have had the opportunity to develop independence and self-reliance.
Cultural Factors: Some cultures may have societal norms that encourage dependence on others, which can contribute to the development of dependent personality disorder. It may be more socially acceptable to rely on others for support and decision-making, which can reinforce feelings of dependency.
Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder
The symptoms of DPD can be difficult to identify, but some of the most common ones we’ve encountered at Neurish include:
Excessive need to be taken care of: People with dependent personality disorder have an overwhelming need to be taken care of which leads them to seek out others to fulfill this need. They often struggle with making decisions on their own and rely heavily on the opinions of others.
Difficulty expressing disagreement with others: They tend to have difficulty asserting themselves or expressing disagreement with others, even when they disagree strongly, for fear of damaging the relationship or being abandoned.
Fear of separation and abandonment: Individuals with dependent personality disorder may experience intense anxiety or fear at the thought of being alone or abandoned by others, which can lead to clingy or needy behavior.
Lack of confidence: They have a deep-seated lack of confidence in their own abilities and judgment, which can lead to difficulty with decision-making and a general lack of assertiveness.
Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy: People with this disorder often struggle with feelings of low self-worth and may have a persistent sense of inadequacy or helplessness.
Clinging to relationships: People with this disorder may go to great lengths to maintain close relationships, even if these relationships are unhealthy or abusive.
Avoiding positions of responsibility: Individuals with dependent personality disorder may avoid taking on positions of responsibility or leadership, instead preferring to take a more passive role in situations.
Being overly submissive: Individuals with dependent personality disorder may be excessively submissive in their interactions with others, to the point where they may allow others to make decisions for them or engage in behaviors they are uncomfortable with.
Feeling helpless or hopeless when alone: Those with this disorder may experience intense feelings of hopelessness or helplessness when they are alone or not in a close relationship with someone.
How Our Luxury Mental Health Facility Treats Dependent Personality Disorder
One of the most effective interventions for DPD at Neurish is group therapy. Group therapy provides a supportive environment where people with DPD can share their experiences and learn from others who have similar challenges. In group therapy, people with DPD can learn to build healthy relationships and develop a sense of independence.
Treatment for DPD also involves individual psychotherapy, specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT helps people with DPD to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that contribute to their anxiety and dependence. Therapists may also help people with DPD to develop better coping skills and assertiveness techniques. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression.
In addition to therapy, our team helps our clients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life by:
Building a support system of friends and family members who can provide emotional support and encouragement
Engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or art therapy
Setting small goals and celebrating progress
Practicing assertiveness skills, such as saying “no” to things they don’t want to do
Get Help for Dependent Personality Disorder at Neurish Wellness
Dependent Personality Disorder can be a challenging condition that affects all aspects of a person’s life and relationships. However, with the right treatment and support, people with DPD can learn to manage their symptoms and overcome their anxieties and dependencies.
At Neurish Wellness in Orange County, we offer comprehensive treatment and support for DPD. If you or someone you know may have DPD, seek professional help to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
Reach out for a free assessment
Call us at (866) 525 5197 or drop your information below and we’ll get in touch with you
FAQS About Dependent Personality Disorder
What is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)?
Dependent Personality Disorder is a mental disorder characterized by pervasive and excessive psychological dependence on other people. This condition manifests as submissive and clinging behavior, a fear of separation, and an inability to make decisions without reassurance from others.
How common is Dependent Personality Disorder among other personality disorders?
DPD is one of several personality disorders. It is estimated that personality disorders affect about 10% of the general population, with Dependent Personality Disorder being relatively less common compared to disorders like Borderline Personality Disorder.
What are the main symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder?
The primary symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder include a constant need for reassurance and advice, difficulty being alone, intense fear of abandonment, and a pervasive need to be taken care of. This can lead to submissive and clinging behavior as individuals struggle with self-confidence and autonomy.
How does Dependent Personality Disorder differ from other personality disorders?
While Dependent Personality Disorder involves a significant reliance on others for emotional and physical support, other personality disorders, like Borderline Personality Disorder, might involve patterns of unstable relationships, self-image, and emotions. Each personality disorder has distinct symptoms and patterns of behavior.
What tends to cause Dependent Personality Disorder?
The exact cause of Dependent Personality Disorder isn’t fully understood, but it tends to involve a combination of genetic, developmental, and psychological factors. Early childhood experiences, including chronic illness or separation anxiety during attachment periods, might contribute to its development.
How is Dependent Personality Disorder treated?
Treating personality disorders, including DPD, often involves psychotherapy as a primary treatment method. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and schema therapy are common approaches that help individuals become more independent and learn to form healthy, adult relationships.
Can someone with Dependent Personality Disorder have relationships with others who have personality disorders?
Yes, individuals with Dependent Personality Disorder can have relationships with others who have different or the same personality disorders. However, these relationships may be complex and require professional guidance to ensure that healthy interaction patterns are established and maintained.
What tendencies are observed in people with Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)?
People with DPD tend to exhibit a high level of dependency on others for emotional support and decision-making. They often have difficulty expressing disagreement due to a fear of losing support or approval. This dependency can manifest in everyday life as difficulty making decisions, even trivial ones, without extensive advice and reassurance from others.
What are some common behaviors seen in those with Dependent Personality Disorder?
Clinging behavior is a hallmark of Dependent Personality Disorder. Individuals may exhibit an excessive need to stay physically close to their caregivers or loved ones, often due to fear of abandonment. This can also lead to difficulty in maintaining healthy, balanced relationships.
How is Dependent Personality Disorder managed or treated within the scope of mental health care?
Treating personality disorders typically involves long-term psychotherapy with a mental health professional. Treatment strategies for DPD focus on helping individuals develop more autonomous functioning and improving their self-esteem. Group therapy can also be beneficial in providing social support and feedback in a controlled environment.
How does Dependent Personality Disorder relate to other personality disorders?
Dependent Personality Disorder shares some features with other personality disorders, such as the fear of abandonment seen in Borderline Personality Disorder, but it is distinguished by its core feature of dependency. When discussing personality disorders revisited, it’s important to differentiate the specific interpersonal and self-image issues that define each disorder.
How do mental health professionals diagnose Dependent Personality Disorder?
Diagnosis of Dependent Personality Disorder typically follows criteria outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Mental health professionals evaluate the individual’s history and current symptoms, focusing on their patterns of dependent, submissive, and clinging behavior to make a diagnosis.
What are the challenges faced by people with Dependent Personality Disorder in daily life?
Individuals with DPD may experience significant life difficulty, especially in expressing disagreement and making everyday decisions. This can impact their personal and professional relationships, as they may constantly seek reassurance or avoid taking on responsibilities that require independent decision-making.
Is Dependent Personality Disorder considered a newly proposed mental illness?
While Dependent Personality Disorder is not a newly proposed mental illness, the way personality disorders are classified and understood is periodically reviewed. New research and clinical findings can lead to revisions in how these disorders are defined in the diagnostic manuals, reflecting a deeper understanding of the disorders.