Dependent personality disorder
| Dependent personality disorder | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Psychiatry, clinical psychology |
| Symptoms | Avoidance of decision-making, fear of abandonment, passive and/or clingy behavior, low social boundaries, oversensitivity to criticism |
| Complications | Codependent or abusive relationships |
| Risk factors | Overprotective strict parenting or authoritarian parenting |
| Differential diagnosis | Borderline personality disorder, Separation anxiety, Avoidant personality disorder |
| Treatment | Psychotherapy |
| Personality disorders |
|---|
| Cluster A (odd) |
|
| Cluster B (dramatic) |
| Cluster C (anxious) |
| ICD-11 classification |
|
| Other and unspecified |
|
| Depressive |
| Others |
|
Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive dependence on other people and subsequent submissiveness[1][2] and clinginess.[2] This personality disorder is a long-term condition[3] in which people depend on others to meet their emotional and physical needs. Individuals with DPD often struggle to make independent decisions and seek constant reassurance from others.[2] This dependence can result in a tendency to prioritize the needs and opinions of others over their own.[4]
People with DPD depend excessively on others for advice, decision-making and the fulfillment of other needs, as they lack confidence in their abilities, competence and judgment.[4] They may thus act passively and avoid responsibilities, delegating them to others.[2] Additionally, individuals with this disorder often display a pessimistic outlook, anticipating negative outcomes in various situations. They may also be introverted, highly sensitive to criticism, and fearful of rejection.[4]
They typically prefer not to be alone and may experience distress, isolation, or loneliness when separated from their support system, such as a close relationship with someone they depend on. They may thus feel a need to try to obtain a new such relationship quickly.[2] In order to ensure that they retain people they depend on, those with DPD are willing to meet their wishes and demands,[1] even when it entails self-sacrifice such as letting others abuse them.[2] People with DPD may also fear that expressions of disagreement or anger may result in others leaving them.[2]
In the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR; 2022), dependent personality disorder is classified as a cluster C ("anxious or fearful") personality disorder.[5] There was a diagnostic category for DPD in the previous revision of the International classification of Diseases, ICD-10; but the ICD-11 no longer has distinct diagnoses for personality disorders.
Treatment of DPD is typically in the form of psychotherapy,[6] The main goal of this therapy is to make the individual more independent and help them form healthy relationships with the people around them. This is done by improving their self-esteem and confidence.[6] Particularly, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to improve self-confidence, autonomy, and coping mechanisms.[1] Medication can be used to treat patients who suffer from depression or anxiety because of their DPD, but this does not treat the core problems caused by the disorder.[6]
- ^ a b c Sperry, Len (2016). Handbook of the diagnosis and treatment of DSM-5 personality disorders: assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment (Third ed.). New York London: Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-84191-7.
- ^ a b c d e f g Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5 (5th ed.). Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association. 2013. pp. 675–678. ISBN 978-0-89042-554-1.
- ^ "Dependent Personality Disorder". www.mentalhealth.com. Archived from the original on 2015-02-16. Retrieved 2018-08-09.
- ^ a b c Beitz, Kendra; Bornstein, Robert F. (2006). "Dependent Personality Disorder". In Fisher, Jane E.; O’Donohue, William T. (eds.). Practitioner's Guide to Evidence-Based Psychotherapy. Boston, Massachusetts: Springer. pp. 230–237. doi:10.1007/978-0-387-28370-8_22. ISBN 978-0-387-28369-2. S2CID 142569348.
- ^ American Psychiatric Association (2022-03-18). "Personality Disorders". Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR ed.). American Psychiatric Association Publishing. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787.x18_personality_disorders. ISBN 978-0-89042-575-6.
- ^ a b c Goldberg, Joseph. "Dependent Personality Disorder". WebMD. Archived from the original on 2018-08-10. Retrieved 2019-01-31.