An Overview: What Is 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) are often emotionally dependent on others and experience difficulty making decisions for themselves. These symptoms can lead to challenges in various areas of life, including at work and in personal relationships.

Below, explore dependent personality disorder, the criteria for diagnosis, and available treatments.

Living with dependent personality disorder can be challenging
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What is dependent personality disorder and symptoms of dependent personality disorder

Dependent Personality Disorder is a condition where someone feels an overwhelming need to rely on others for decision-making and emotional support, often leading them to be excessively submissive and clingy in their relationships. It can make everyday tasks and decisions daunting without constant reassurance from others. Individuals living with dependent personality disorder (DPD) typically believe they can’t take care of themselves, so they may rely on someone to care for them and make decisions for them, such as what clothes to wear. Individuals with DPD are generally emotionally dependent on others and may make great efforts to please those they depend on. They also tend to be passive, experience separation anxiety, and tolerate negative behavior, abuse,* or mistreatment from others. 

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

How is dependent personality disorder diagnosed?

If you think you have a dependent personality disorder, speak with a healthcare provider first. A healthcare provider may consider your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to rule out any potential physical causes. If they don’t find a physical cause of your symptoms, they may refer you to a licensed mental health professional. 

A licensed therapist may look at your symptoms and determine whether they relate to dependent personality disorder, borderline personality disorder (which often has several common characteristics), or another mental health condition. A mental health professional may diagnose dependent personality disorder if you meet five or more of the following criteria: 

Symptoms of dependent personality disorder according to mental health professionals

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

  • An all-consuming, unrealistic fear of being abandoned
  • Anxious or helpless feelings and thoughts when alone
  • Difficulty managing life responsibilities without seeking help from others
  • Problems stating an opinion out of fear of losing support or approval
  • A strong drive to get support from others, even choosing to do unenjoyable activities to get it
  • Difficulty making everyday decisions without input or reassurance from others
  • Trouble starting or completing projects because of a lack of self-confidence or decision-making ability
  • Urge to seek a new relationship to provide support and approval when a close relationship ends
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Challenges for those with dependent personality disorder

For those living with dependent personality disorder, difficulty making decisions for themselves can lead to significant challenges. The constant worry about what others think about what they do, say, wear, or eat can take a significant toll on their mind and lead them to relationships where they can be entirely dependent on someone else. These relationships might be platonic friendships or romantic relationships. Because one individual may depend entirely on the other, these are often not considered healthy relationships.

For a person with DPD, it can be a challenge to do anything throughout the day without input from someone else. Individuals they rely on may also experience stress if they feel like they must constantly watch out for this other person. Whereas healthy friendships and romantic relationships tend to feature a bit of give and take, with both people offering advice, feedback, and suggestions, in this type of relationship, the person with DPD may struggle without the assistance of the other person. 

Treatment for dependent personality disorder

A psychiatrist or therapist may be able to help you experience significant relief from your symptoms. Be open and honest with them about what you are experiencing and how you feel at every stage. A therapist can offer cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you become more independent, work toward making decisions for yourself, and become more of an active participant in your own life. This support may help you feel less dependent and create healthier relationships, rather than relationships in which you are overly dependent on others.

Medication for personality disorders and important considerations

Medication may be a recommended form of treatment for some individuals who are living with DPD. However, medication generally does not cure DPD. Instead, a psychiatrist may prescribe medication for depression, anxiety, or other co-occurring symptoms that are common for people with DPD. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Living with dependent personality disorder can be challenging
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Support options for dependent personality disorder 

If you think you might be living with dependent personality disorder, you don’t have to face symptoms alone. Speaking with a licensed mental health professional about your symptoms may help you move forward. However, if you are hesitant to visit a therapist’s office, you may be unsure where to turn. In these cases, you might try online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp, which research suggests can be effective in treating various mental health concerns, including personality disorders

With online therapy, you can communicate with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home via phone, videoconference, or live chat. You can also contact your therapist anytime via in-app messaging, and they’ll respond as soon as possible. This option may be helpful if you have questions or concerns between therapy sessions. 

Takeaway

Dependent personality disorder, or DPD, often makes a person believe they are unable to make decisions on their own. They may also experience an extreme fear of abandonment and desire constant approval and assurance from others. DPD is most often treated with therapy, but medication may sometimes be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of anxiety or depression. If you’re experiencing symptoms of DPD, you may benefit from speaking with a licensed counselor, whether in person or online. Consider seeking support to get started. 
Work through personality disorder symptoms
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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