Understanding Dependent Personality Disorder And Anxiety

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is generally characterized by pervasive and excessive dependence on others. Though anxiety and DPD can coexist and share similar symptoms, they are typically classified as two separate mental health conditions. DPD can be distinguished from anxiety by considering its behavioral symptoms, which usually involve individuals not being able to make everyday decisions for themselves and heavily relying on others to take responsibility for various parts of their lives. Both DPD and anxiety can be treated with therapy.

What is dependent personality disorder?

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a mental health condition classified as a personality disorder. Individuals with DPD usually exhibit a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, often leading to submissive and clinging behavior. This dependency on others for emotional and decision-making support often results in significant distress and impairment in various areas of life, including personal relationships and professional settings.

DPD typically begins in early adulthood and manifests in a consistent pattern of behavior. People with dependent personality disorder often struggle with self-confidence and have an intense fear of abandonment. They may go to great lengths to ensure and maintain relationships, even if it means tolerating emotional abuse or neglect. This behavior usually stems from a deep-seated belief that they are incapable of functioning independently, leading them to rely heavily on others for reassurance and guidance.

This condition is distinct from other personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, though there may be some overlap in symptoms.

Unlike borderline personality disorder (BPD), which tends to be characterized by intense and unstable relationships and emotions, DPD primarily revolves around a chronic need for support and care from others. 

Though DPD symptoms may mirror or exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, dependent personality disorder is distinct from anxiety disorders. However, DPD and certain anxiety disorders can coexist. Understanding the differences between these disorders can be crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment. These differences can be highlighted by the nuanced nature of DPD symptoms. 

What causes dependent personality disorder?

The exact causes of dependent personality disorder (DPD) are not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Research suggests that personality disorders, including DPD, may have a hereditary component, meaning that individuals with a family history of personality disorders may have a higher risk of developing the condition.

Environmental factors likely also play a crucial role in the development of DPD. Early childhood experiences, particularly those involving overprotective or authoritarian parenting styles, can contribute to the onset of the disorder. Children who grow up in environments where they are not encouraged to develop independence or who are excessively reliant on their caregivers may be more susceptible to developing dependent personality traits.

Psychological factors, such as low self-esteem and a history of anxiety or depression, can further exacerbate the risk of developing DPD. Individuals who have experienced emotional abuse or neglect during childhood may also be more likely to exhibit symptoms of dependent personality disorder. These experiences can create deep-seated fears of abandonment and inadequacy, driving the need for constant support and reassurance from others.

The relationship between DPD and anxiety

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) and anxiety disorders often occur together, though the exact relationship between them can be complex. Individuals with DPD tend to be at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety disorders. 

While updated evidence may be needed, a comprehensive analysis of 53 studies found that there appears to be a modest connection between DPD and anxiety disorders overall. However, this research found that these relationships were not uniform across all anxiety disorders, indicating that DPD may be linked to certain disorders, like social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder, but not others.

Experts say one of the main challenges in understanding the DPD-anxiety relationship is determining whether DPD increases the risk of developing anxiety disorders or if having an anxiety disorder makes a person more likely to develop DPD. Still, the specific mechanisms that might cause someone with DPD to develop an anxiety disorder have not been thoroughly studied and require further research.

While examining the rates of comorbidity between DPD and anxiety disorders may clarify the relationship in some ways, it doesn’t answer many important questions. For example, it does not explain why these disorders often co-occur or how they influence each other over time. Addressing these issues can be crucial for improving our understanding of both DPD and anxiety disorders and for developing better treatment strategies, and additional research may be needed.

How therapy can help

Treating dependent personality disorder (DPD) and anxiety usually involves a combination of therapeutic approaches, with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) typically being one of the most effective methods. CBT can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to dependency and anxiety. Through CBT, individuals can develop healthier coping mechanisms, build self-confidence, and learn to make decisions independently.

Group therapy can also be beneficial, providing individuals with the opportunity to share their experiences and learn from others facing similar challenges. Medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety or depression, but it is typically used in conjunction with therapy rather than as a standalone treatment.

Experiencing symptoms of anxiety or DPD?

Connect with an online therapist for support

Online therapy has also emerged as a potentially valuable option for individuals with DPD and anxiety, offering several benefits over traditional in-person therapy. Along with being equally effective as in-person therapy, online therapy generally provides greater accessibility, offering flexible scheduling options and allowing individuals to receive treatment from the comfort of their own homes. 

Additionally, many online therapy platforms offer individuals the opportunity to connect with a licensed therapist who understands their unique needs, and they also allow clients to change providers as needed to find the right fit. Plus, online therapy participants can choose between video, audio, and online chat for each session, which can be particularly beneficial for those with severe anxiety.