Dependent Personality Disorder

"People with DPD become emotionally dependent on other people and also spend great efforts trying to please them." This disorder occurs in early to middle adulthood and occurs both in men and women. The cause of this disorder is unknown.

The symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder include:

• Chronic and persistent pattern of dependent and needy behaviour
• They seek out excessive advice, encouragement and approval
• Low self-esteem and low confidence
• An inability to make decisions on their own without support from others
• Feelings of hopelessness when alone
• An inability to disagree with other people
• Experience extreme desolation when close relationships end and a need to immediately begin a new one
• Overly focussed on fears of being abandoned
• Oversensitivity to criticism

This disorder is diagnosed based on a psychological evaluation that assesses the history and severity of one's symptoms. Possible complications of this disorder include depression, alcohol or drug abuse and an increased possibility of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Psychotherapy is usually recommended for dependent personality disorder and in some cases, antidepressants are prescribed to help one overcome depressive symptoms.

Contact your doctor or a mental health professional if you or a loved one has symptoms of dependent personality disorder!