What You Should Know About Dependent Personality Disorder

People suffering from this particular personality disorder, also called DPD, develop emotional dependencies on others. They may spend a great deal of time and effort trying to please them, and often display passive, needy, clingy behaviors. Fear of separation is common, as is difficulty with even the smallest decisions. Reassurance and advice from others is often needed.

Those with this problem may also have a tendency to avoid personal responsibility, including jobs that require them to function independently. They have a great fear of abandonment, and may feel helpless or devastated when relationships come to an end. They spend little time not in a relationship and often move to the next very quickly. They are sensitive to criticism and lack self confidence. They may believe they cannot care for themselves. Often, they avoid disagreeing with others because they fear a loss of approval.

They may be unable to start projects, have trouble being alone, and be willing to tolerate others' mistreatment or abuse in order to keep their approval. It's common for them to place the needs of people they view as caregivers above their own, and to live in a naive fantasy world. The cause of this disorder is unknown, but it may be encouraged by an overprotective or authoritarian parenting style.

In most cases, sufferers of dependent personality disorder are unlikely to look for treatment. However, they may look for help with problems that are related to this disorder, once they become overwhelming. People with this problem are likely to develop anxiety and depression, which may prompt them to look for help. As with the majority of personality disorders, the primary treatment for DPD is psychotherapy or other counseling. Drugs are not recommended, as this disorder isn't caused by chemical imbalances. Instead, it's important to teach the person suffering from dependent personality disorder that they can be independent and active.

Learning to form healthy relationships is an important part of recovering from this disorder. In most cases, short term therapy, working on a specific goal is the preferred method. This is because long term therapy can simply transfer dependence to the therapist, without relieving the problem. Assertiveness training is a common method to help DPD sufferers improve their confidence in themselves.

It's important to make sure that someone with this disorder receives the help they need, since there are a number of other problems that they may be subject to. These include anxiety problems, depression, phobias and abuse from others. While this disorder, like many other personality disorders, is unlikely to be entirely cured, the symptoms can be alleviated and the person's individual functionality can improve significantly.

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