Dependent Personality Disorder
What Is It?
Dependent personality disorder is one of the common personality disorders. It’s an anxious personality disorder that occurs in both men and women, which will become more apparent in young adulthood and later when an individual starts to form close and romantic relationships. People with DPD often feel helpless or incapable of taking care of themselves.
Causes
- Abusive relationship: People who have a history of abusive relationships are more susceptible to DPD
- Childhood trauma: Children who experienced child abuse in the past whether it’s verbally or physically may develop DPD over time. This also affects people who may have experienced a fatal/life-threatening illness in the past
- Family Behaviors: Research showed that overprotective and strict parenting style can lead to the development of dependent personality traits.
Symptoms
- Difficulty being alone
- Oversensitivity to criticism
- Feeling isolated and nervous when alone
- Being overly submissive and lacking self-esteem
- Fear of abandonment, especially by loved ones
- Trouble making everyday decisions
- Constantly needing reassurance from others
Facts
- Approximately 0.5-0.6% of the population is diagnosed with dependent personality disorder
- Those who struggle with dependent personality disorder often suffer from depression, anxiety, and alcohol dependence as well
How to Get Help
The best way to get help is to consult a psychiatrist and they will provide you feedback, guidance, and help you build positive, meaningful relationships with your loved ones. They can also support you mentally and emotionally, helping you gain self-confidence and overcome symptoms of DPD.
