Dependent Personality Disorder - Identification and Treatment

Individuals who have Dependent Personality Disorder have a great desire to be taken care of by others. They feel incompetent on their own. These types of individuals demonstrate clingy and submissive behaviors.

They also have a deep fear of being alone and of being separated from others. Individuals who have this disorder try to keep people very involved with their life. They have difficulty making decisions without seeking advice from others because they lack in self-confidence.

They do not act appropriately when they become upset because they have a fear of losing support from others. Because of being dependent, individuals with this disorder often become entangled in abusive relationships.

Individuals with this disorder need others to be able to survive. 

Authoritarian parenting can contribute to this development because these types of parents do now allow their child to be strong and reliable for themselves and so they reinforce and enable their dependent behavior (Butcher, Mineka,  & Hooley, 2012).   

Treatment 

The most effective psychotherapeutic approach is one that centers on solutions to specific life problems that the person is experiencing. 

Looking closely at the person's emotions and low self- confidence is an important part of treatment.

Also, assertiveness training has been shown to be effective in helping treat individuals with this disorder. Group therapy can also be helpful (psychcentral, 2015).

There is help if you or someone you know has Dependent Personality Disorder. 

References

Butcher, J. N., Mineka, S., & Hooley, J. M. (2012). Abnormal psychology, 14^th ed. Boston, MA:

Pearson.

Psychcentral.(2015). Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment. Retrieved by: http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx13t.htm

By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor

                                              Blog Website LivingWithHopeCounseling.com