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Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent Personality Disorder Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

A mental health condition can affect every aspect of a person’s life. One type of mental health condition called personality disorder can impact a person’s mood, thoughts, and behaviors. 

Mental health professionals have identified ten personality disorders. One of the most commonly diagnosed personality disorders is dependent personality disorder, or DPD. 

This article will give you information about dependent personality disorder. You will learn:

  • The symptoms of DPD
  • What causes dependent personality disorder
  • How mental health professionals diagnose DPD
  • What treatments can help people manage dependent personality disorder
  • Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment

If you or a loved one lives with DPD or another mental health condition, you are not alone. Reach out to the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to explore our mental health treatment and support programs. Contact us with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.

What is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)?

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed personality disorders. It belongs to the “Cluster C” category of personality disorders. These personality disorders feature anxiety and fear symptoms. 

People with DPD experience frequent feelings of helplessness. They may have a deep need for support or approval. It can be challenging for people with DPD to make decisions without a lot of advice or reassurance. 

The symptoms of dependent personality disorder can have a significant impact on a person’s functioning. They may struggle to make simple decisions like what to eat or wear. They may have difficulty maintaining close relationships with others. 

People with DPD have an excessive need for others to care for them. They typically cannot recognize that their thoughts and behaviors are abnormal.

Typically, people begin to exhibit symptoms of DPD during childhood or adolescence. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), less than 1% of the adult population meets the diagnostic criteria for dependent personality disorder. 

What are the Symptoms of DPD?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), people with dependent personality disorder must exhibit several specific behavioral symptoms. The symptoms of dependent personality disorder include:

  • Difficulty making everyday decisions, such as what to wear or eat
  • Needing a lot of guidance and reassurance to make simple decisions
  • Difficulty starting projects independently
  • A fear of separation from loved ones
  • Intense fear of abandonment
  • Feeling helpless at the end of relationships
  • Needing others to take responsibility for their decisions
  • Clinging behaviors, such as seeking excessive validation or nurturing from others
  • Avoiding creating conflict or expressing disagreement out of fear of pushing people away

People with personality disorder may have a very small circle of friends. They may limit their social interactions to only people they rely on. People with DPD are more likely to put up with abuse because they fear losing a relationship. 

There are some similarities between DPD and another personality disorder called borderline personality disorder (BPD). Both conditions feature an intense fear of abandonment. 

However, borderline personality causes extreme mood instability. People with BPD can struggle with anger and other intense emotions. They may also be impulsive. People with DPD do not exhibit these intense mood swings or impulsivity.

What Causes Dependent Personality Disorder?

Mental health experts do not fully understand the roots of personality disorders. However, there are some theories about what may cause dependent personality disorder. These include:

  • A history of abusive relationships
  • Experiencing childhood trauma, including physical and verbal abuse
  • Experiencing a life-threatening illness as a child
  • Genetics
  • Cultural, family, or religious behaviors

Some mental health experts believe that people who experience trauma or periods of extreme instability may have a higher risk of developing DPD. They also think that people who are put in a position requiring excessive reliance on authority may have a higher risk of developing DPD. 

How Do Mental Health Professionals Diagnose DPD?

Most people begin to exhibit symptoms of dependent personality disorder during childhood or adolescence. However, mental health and medical professionals typically do not diagnose personality disorders until a person is at least 18 years old. 

It can be challenging to diagnose personality disorders. People with personality disorders usually do not recognize a problem with their thoughts or behaviors. Most do not seek treatment on their own until they experience significant symptoms or consequences. 

It is common for people to seek treatment for depression or an anxiety disorder that arises as a result of their personality disorder. 

Mental health professionals typically begin the diagnostic process by asking broad questions about a person’s relationships. They may also explore the person’s thoughts and behaviors through testing and screening. The professional may also ask the person’s friends and family members about the person’s history. 

After gathering enough information, the mental health professional can provide an accurate diagnosis. 

What to Expect in Treatment for Dependent Personality Disorder

Treatment for dependent personality disorder typically involves specialized forms of psychotherapy. The most common forms of therapy used to treat DPD are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy.

CBT

CBT helps people identify connections between their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. It also helps people learn new coping skills and behaviors that can improve their functioning.

Psychodynamic therapy

Psychodynamic therapy explores the psychological roots of a person’s emotional pain. People learn about themselves and identify destructive patterns, allowing them to make meaningful changes. 

While there are no medications used to treat DPD, some people may take anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medications to manage these symptoms. 

Find Mental Health Treatment 

If you or someone you love needs mental health treatment, you are not alone. Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn about our treatment and support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment. 

References:

  1. American Psychiatric Association (APA): What are Personality Disorders?
  2. Springer Link: Dependent Personality Disorder
  3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Dependent Personality Disorder
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