Home Articles Diseases and Ailments

Dependent personality disorder is one of many common personality disorders that affect both men and women equally. This is a chronic condition that lasts for years together where people affected feel overly dependent on different other people in order to have their physical and emotional needs fulfilled. DPD is marked by submissiveness, helplessness, a need to be looked after, constant reassurance and an inability to make decisions.

Individuals with dependent personality disorders are extremely dependent emotionally on others and are constantly making efforts to please others. They tend to be passive, needy, clingy and are fearful of separation. People suffering from DPD showcase the following characteristics:

• Tendency to be naive and live in a fantasy.
• Putting their caregiver's needs before their own.
• Avoiding jobs and or personal responsibilities that need independent functioning or positions of responsibility.
• Difficulty being alone.
• Feeling of pessimism, a belief that they are incapable of caring for themselves and a lack of self confidence.
• Avoid disagreeing with others because they fear loss of approval and support.
• Extreme fear of desertion.
• Feelings of helplessness and devastation when relationships end and often moving into relationships right after one has ended.
• Unable to start projects.
• Unable to make every day and long-term decisions without reassurance or advice from others.
• Oversensitive to criticism.

Dependent personality disorder often begins in childhood. The exact causes of this condition are not yet known. Some researchers theorize that the disorder occurs due to an overprotective or authoritarian parenting style which leads to dependent personality disorder traits. Biological and sociological factors are also believed to cause DPD. If doctors identify individuals showing symptoms of dependent personality disorder, they will conduct a thorough medical history check and physical examination to rule out any physical ailments that could cause the disorder. If no physical illnesses are present, he/she will refer the person to a psychiatrist, psychologist or special medically trained professionals for diagnosing and treatment of the condition.

People suffering from DPD are prone to anxiety and depression. They usually do not seek help unless the condition is so overwhelming that coping with day to day life becomes a struggle. Psychotherapy is the primary method for treatment for dependent personality disorder. Short-term therapy with precise goals is preferred as long-term therapy might make the patient dependent on the therapist. The aim of the therapy is to assist the person become independent, active and help them form and maintain healthy relationships.

References:

1. http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/000941.htm
2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000941.htm

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.