Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is an anxiety driven disorder that is characterized by the inability of an individual to be alone. These individuals rely on other people to provide support and comfort at all times, or else they tend to develop symptoms of anxiety.
People who may not have this condition could, of course, deal with feelings of insecurity. However, the difference is that people with DPD are in constant need of reassurance.
Dependent personality disorder is one of several types of personality disorders. A personality disorder is a mental illness characterized by unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. They may negatively impact relationships in social situations, at work or school, and in other situations.
One of the most damaging aspects of personality disorders is that when you are experiencing one, it is extremely difficult to see that there is anything wrong with the way you think or behave.
Causes and Symptoms
Although it is unknown what causes a person to develop DPD, there are numerous biological and environmental factors that must be considered. Normally, people with this condition tend to develop symptoms during early to mid-adulthood.
Signs of DPD include behaving submissively and relying on friends or family for decision-making, which leads to needing repeated reassurance or else disapproval may easily hurt individuals. The feeling of isolation and nervousness is amplified when these individuals are alone due to fearing rejection and being overly sensitive to criticism.
For those who have DPD, even the simplest decision can be difficult. They may ask for input about what to wear or even where to go for lunch. Larger decisions, such as what job to have and where to live, are often left to very important figures in their life, like parents, for example.
How is DPD treated?
Short term psychotherapy can be used as a method to evaluate your condition as it also teaches you how to build important relationships in a healthy manner. Long term therapy may be detrimental as patients with DPD could begin to depend on their therapists.
Psychodynamic therapy is particularly effective for treating a dependent personality. A therapist works to explore the root of the dependency and the unconscious processes that perpetuate it. The goal of treatment is to foster independence.
Furthermore, having an adequate support system can help you feel better about the symptoms that may contribute to the disorder.