Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) can negatively affect a person's ability to function without relying on others. This dependent behavior can negatively impact personal relationships and academic or professional life. Below are eight key features of DPD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5):

1. Difficulty making everyday decisions: People with DPD often lack of self-confidence in decision-making and may require reassurance and advice from others.
2. A desire for others to take responsibility: Individuals with DPD often rely on others to take responsibility for major areas of their lives.
3. Difficulty disagreeing with others: People with DPD may find it difficult to disagree with others, worrying that doing so might lead to a loss of support or approval, as well as conflict. 
4. Difficulty starting projects: A lack of self-confidence may make it difficult for an individual with DPD to start tasks or projects unless they have support and guidance from others.
5. Willingness to go to excessive lengths to gain support: Willingness to gain support can involve partaking in unpleasant activities if it means getting care and support from others.
6. Helplessness when alone: Individuals with DPD often become uncomfortable or believe they are helpless when they're alone, because they're convinced they can't take care of themselves.
7. An urgent desire for new relationships: If a close relationship ends, a person with DPD often urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support.
8. Extreme worry or fear of being left to care for themselves: People with DPD are often preoccupied with fears of taking care of themselves and may go to significant lengths to avoid being left alone.

The above symptoms can vary in severity and may not all be present in every individual with DPD. Treatment often involves psychotherapy, and, in some cases, medication may also be prescribed. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, seek professional help from a mental health expert, as they can provide a diagnosis³ and treatment⁴ options.

The development of DPD is believed to be a result of various factors, including environmental influences and life experiences. No single cause has been identified, but specific experiences and situations have been found to increase the likelihood of developing DPD.

Experiences such as childhood trauma or significant early loss may contribute to the development of insecure attachments, which can predispose an individual to DPD.

The overall risk factors for developing DPD may include:

• Having a family history of mental health disorders
• Experiencing significant stress or abuse during childhood
• Strict or overprotective upbringing
• Low self-esteem or self-confidence
• Emotional instability
• Being female
• Cultural or familial values that encourage dependence

These factors may not necessarily cause DPD but can contribute to an increased risk of developing this disorder. The degree to which these risk factors contribute to DPD can also vary. A mental health professional may evaluate various aspects of a person's personal and medical history to determine a diagnosis.

A mental health professional may recommend various treatment options depending on the severity of the condition. The main goal of treatment is to help individuals with DPD develop self-reliance and independence. This goal may be achieved through therapy, medication, self-care, and other treatment options. 

Cultural norms and values can influence the perception and expression of different personality disorders; for example, in cultures where interdependence is valued over independence, behaviors associated with DPD may not only be viewed more sympathetically but also manifest differently, potentially impacting both diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Medication

Although there are no medications specifically designed for treating DPD, certain medications may treat symptoms of other mental health disorders that may co-occur with DPD. For example, antidepressants may be prescribed if an individual experiences depression or anxiety because of their dependency. In some cases, other medications may be used to address specific symptoms that interfere with daily functioning or cause a person distress. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine if medications may be appropriate for you. In addition, do not start, change, or stop a medication without consulting your doctor. 

Other treatment options

In some cases, individuals with DPD may benefit from other types of therapy or supportive options. These options could include:

• Group therapy: Group-based therapy may help individuals connect with others experiencing similar challenges. A group setting can allow one to work on interpersonal skills and learn from others. 
• Family therapy: This type of therapy may educate the person’s family on DPD. In sessions, family members can learn to provide support and better understand the individual's challenges.
• Self-help groups: These groups connect individuals with DPD in an informal setting, allowing them to share experiences and offer support to each other.

Self-care

In addition to professional treatment, individuals with DPD can take steps to improve their mental health through self-care practices. Some self-care strategies may include:

• Practicing good sleep hygiene: Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a relaxing nighttime routine, and ensuring the sleep environment is comfortable may reduce some distress caused by DPD.
• Ensuring regular physical activity: Exercise may reduce stress and improve mood.
• Engaging in hobbies and interests: Pursuing personal hobbies and interests may help individuals with DPD find personal fulfillment, build self-esteem, and reduce dependency on others for emotional support.
• Seeking social support: A network of friends, family, or peers may provide encouragement and understanding, which may help individuals overcome dependency.

A comprehensive approach to treating DPD can include therapy, medication, other treatment options, and self-care practices. With the right therapeutic approach, individuals with dependent personality disorder can develop healthier relationships, increase their autonomy, and improve their overall quality of life.

There are several resources available that may provide support for individuals with DPD. As therapy may be an effective option for treating those with DPD, online therapy platforms, such as BetterHelp, may be a vital resource. These online platforms can offer convenient sessions with licensed professionals trained to help navigate difficulties that may come with living with this disorder. 

Certain mental health organizations may provide resources and guidance to individuals with personality disorders, including DPD. These organizations may include the following: 

• Personality Disorders Awareness Network: PDAN is a non-profit organization that offers education and support to reduce the effects and risks of DPD. They also provide children with tools to help them build skills to control their emotions and improve their relationships with those around them. 
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is another valuable resource for those seeking information and support for mental health conditions like DPD. They may offer educational materials, advocacy, and ways to find local support groups for individuals with a personality disorder. 
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): NIMH conducts research and provides educational resources on various mental health conditions, including DPD. Their website contains information on symptoms, causes, and treatments, links to additional resources, and relevant publications.

With these resources and professional guidance, individuals with DPD may work toward better understanding and managing their condition. As a result, they may be able to improve their overall well-being and quality of life.

For help with substance use, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

For those experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7. Please also see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.

Although DPD has a long history, research is still considered limited in terms of understanding the causes of the disorder and how it’s treated. One study analyzed the relationship between dependency and child abuse. It found that high levels of dependency in parents may increase the risk of child abuse and neglect. Therefore, while dependency may occur because of child abuse, it could also play a part in causing child maltreatment.

Another area of research has focused on the impact of DPD on social interactions and relationships. Understanding the interpersonal effects of DPD may help professionals find improved ways to treat DPD and reduce complications like self-harm and child abuse. In addition, one study showed that there may be several links between dependency and sexual activity in relationships.

While there is ongoing research into the causes and treatments of DPD, more studies are needed to understand this complex mental health condition and improve the available treatments.

A healthy and secure connection with one’s therapist can reduce dependency in clients with dependent personality disorder

Using a Process-Content-Relationship scale to measure therapist and client connection, researchers who published in the journal Psychiatry found that a healthy and secure therapeutic relationship was a factor in reducing dependency in clients diagnosed with dependent personality disorder¹

¹Psychiatry

Below are more key statistics on DPD:

• One study found that 27% of men and 20% of women identified with having at least one personality disorder. Men were more likely to show signs of antisocial, narcissistic, paranoid, and schizoid personality disorders, while women were more likely to show signs of dependent personality disorder.
• Studies show that people with histrionic (29.72%), antisocial (23.41%), and dependent personality disorder (27.34%) are more likely to struggle with drug dependence. Specifically, people with dependent personality disorder also have a high rate (53.68%) of nicotine dependence.
• A study of 3640 hospital patients showed that 9.4% had dependent personality disorder. More than half of these patients (51.2%) were over 40, and women made up 69.6% of the group. This group had higher rates of major depression and bipolar disorder but similar rates of anxiety disorders compared to other personality disorders. 
• Out of 113,998 people in ten different studies, 12.16% had some type of personality disorder. Among these, the least common was dependent personality disorder, affecting only 0.78% of the participants.