Depend on others
Easily dominated
Passive
Eager to please
Negative self image
Decisions - avoid
Easily led
No responsibility taken for own life
Timid
A pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
-has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others
-needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life
-has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. Note: Do not include realistic fears of retribution.
-has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy)
-goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant
-feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself
-urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends
-is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself
Associated Features
Depressed Mood
Anxious/Fearful/Dependent Personality
Dramatic/Erratic/Antisocial Personality
Differential Diagnosis
Mood Disorders; Panic Disorder; Agoraphobia; general medical conditions; Borderline Personality Disorder; Avoidant Personality Disorder; Personality Change Due to a General Medical Condition; symptoms that may develop in association with chronic substance use
Dependent personality disorder
Persons affected by dependent personality disorder have a disproportionately low level of confidence in their own intelligence and abilities and have difficulty making decisions and undertaking projects on their own. Their pervasive reliance on others, even for minor tasks or decisions, makes them exaggeratedly cooperative out of fear of alienating those whose help they need. They are reluctant to express disagreement with others and are often willing to go to abnormal lengths to win the approval of those on whom they rely. Another common feature of the disorder is an exaggerated fear of being left to fend for oneself. Adolescents with dependent personality disorder rely on their parents to make even minor decisions for them, such as what they should wear or how they should spend their free time, as well as major ones, such as what college they should attend.
Dependent personality disorder occurs equally in males and females and begins by early adulthood. It may be linked to either chronic physical illness or separation anxiety disorder earlier in life. The primary treatment for dependent personality disorder is psychotherapy, with an emphasis on learning to cope with anxiety, developing assertiveness, and improving decision-making skills. Group therapy can also be helpful.
