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Dependent personality disorder

Definition:

Dependent personality disorder is a chronic condition involving over-reliance on others to meet emotional and physical needs.

Alternative Names:

Personality disorder - dependent

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Dependent personality disorder usually begins in childhood. However, the cause of this disorder is unknown. It is one of the most common personality disorders, and is equally divided between men and women.

Symptoms:

People with this disorder do not trust their own ability to make decisions. They may be devastated by separation and loss and may go to great lengths, even suffering abuse, to stay in a relationship.

Signs and tests:

A person with dependent personality disorder may:

Have difficulty making decisions without reassurance from others
Have problems expressing disagreements with others
Avoid personal responsibility
Avoid being alone
Feel devastated or helpless when relationships end
Be unable to meet ordinary demands of life
Become preoccupied with fears of being abandoned
Be easily hurt by criticism or disapproval
Be extremely passive in relations with other people

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Psychotherapy may be useful in gradually helping the person make more independent choices in life. Medication may also be helpful in treating any other underlying conditions.

Support Groups:

Expectations (prognosis):

Improvements are usually seen only with long-term therapy.

Complications:

May suffer from depression
May abuse alcohol or drugs
May be susceptible to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or a mental health professional if you or your adolescent has symptoms suggestive of dependent personality disorder.

Prevention:

Review Date: 11/15/2006
Reviewed By: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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