Understanding Dependent Personality Disorder: Symptoms & Treatment

An Overview: Understanding Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent personality disorder is one of 10 personality disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), estimated to affect 1% of the US population, per the Merck Manual. Individuals with dependent personality disorder (DPD) often experience an overwhelming emotional dependence on others and significant difficulty making decisions independently. These symptoms can create substantial challenges across various aspects of life, including work environments and personal relationships.

Let’s explore dependent personality disorder, including diagnostic criteria and available treatment options.

What is Dependent Personality Disorder?

Dependent Personality Disorder is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clingy behavior along with intense fears of separation. Individuals living with DPD typically believe they cannot function independently, causing them to rely heavily on others for decision-making and emotional support. Even routine daily choices can feel overwhelming without constant reassurance from others.

People with DPD generally demonstrate significant emotional dependence and may go to extraordinary lengths to please those they depend on. They tend to display passive behaviors, experience separation anxiety, and may tolerate negative behavior, abuse,* or mistreatment from others rather than risk losing the relationship.

*If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.

Diagnosis of Dependent Personality Disorder

If you suspect you might have dependent personality disorder, the first step is consulting with a healthcare provider. They will likely perform a physical examination to rule out any medical conditions that could be causing your symptoms. If no physical cause is identified, they may refer you to a licensed mental health professional for further evaluation.

A licensed clinical social worker at ReachLink will carefully assess your symptoms to determine whether they align with dependent personality disorder, borderline personality disorder (which shares several common characteristics), or another mental health condition.

Diagnostic Criteria for Dependent Personality Disorder

According to the Cleveland Clinic, a mental health professional may diagnose dependent personality disorder if you meet five or more of these criteria:

• Pervasive and unrealistic fear of abandonment
• Feelings of extreme anxiety or helplessness when alone
• Significant difficulty managing everyday responsibilities without assistance from others
• Trouble expressing disagreement or personal opinions due to fear of losing support
• Strong motivation to secure support from others, even if it means engaging in unpleasant activities
• Difficulty with everyday decision-making without excessive reassurance and advice
• Challenges initiating or completing projects due to lack of self-confidence
• Urgent need to establish a new supportive relationship when a close relationship ends

Challenges Associated with Dependent Personality Disorder

For those with dependent personality disorder, the difficulty in making independent decisions creates significant life challenges. The constant preoccupation with others’ opinions about their choices, appearance, or statements can be mentally exhausting and often leads them to relationships where they become completely dependent on another person. These relationships may be friendships or romantic partnerships, but because of the extreme imbalance in dependency, they typically don’t qualify as healthy relationships.

Daily functioning can become extremely challenging for someone with DPD, as they may struggle to accomplish anything without input from someone else. This dynamic also creates stress for the people they depend on, who may feel responsible for constantly providing guidance and support. While healthy relationships typically involve mutual exchange of advice and support, relationships involving someone with DPD often become unbalanced, with one person struggling to function without the constant assistance of the other.

Treatment Approaches for Dependent Personality Disorder

Working with a qualified mental health professional can provide significant relief from DPD symptoms. ReachLink’s licensed clinical social workers can offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help develop greater independence, improve decision-making abilities, and encourage more active participation in your own life. This therapeutic support can help reduce excessive dependency and foster healthier relationship patterns.

Important Considerations Regarding Medication

While medication does not cure dependent personality disorder, it may be recommended for some individuals with DPD who are experiencing co-occurring conditions. If appropriate, your therapist at ReachLink can provide referrals to qualified medical professionals who can evaluate whether medication might help manage depression, anxiety, or other co-occurring symptoms that frequently accompany DPD.

Important Note: ReachLink does NOT provide prescription medications or pharmaceutical services. Our focus is exclusively on therapeutic counseling and behavioral interventions through our licensed clinical social workers. Clients requiring medication management must seek those services from qualified medical professionals such as psychiatrists or primary care physicians.

Support Options Through ReachLink

If you believe you may be experiencing dependent personality disorder, remember that you don’t have to face these challenges alone. ReachLink’s telehealth platform connects you with licensed clinical social workers who specialize in treating various mental health concerns, including personality disorders. Research suggests that telehealth therapy can be effective for treating personality disorders and related conditions.

With ReachLink’s telehealth services, you can communicate with a licensed clinical social worker from the comfort and privacy of your own home via secure video sessions. This approach may be particularly beneficial for those with DPD who might find it challenging to seek in-person treatment due to anxiety or dependency concerns.

Takeaway

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) often creates a pervasive belief that one cannot make decisions independently, along with extreme fear of abandonment and constant need for approval from others. While therapy is the primary treatment approach, those experiencing co-occurring anxiety or depression may benefit from appropriate medical referrals for medication evaluation.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of DPD, connecting with a licensed clinical social worker through ReachLink’s telehealth platform could be your first step toward greater independence and healthier relationships. With professional support and evidence-based therapeutic approaches, it’s possible to develop more confidence in your own decision-making abilities and create more balanced relationships.