Causes and Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder

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Definition

Dependent personality disorder is a chronic condition involving over-reliance on others to meet emotional and physical needs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of this disorder is not known. The disorder usually appears in early adulthood. This disorder is common but not well studied; however, more women than men have been found to have dependent personality disorder.

Symptoms

People with this disorder do not trust their own ability to make decisions. They may be devastated by separation and loss and may go to great lengths, even suffering abuse, to stay in a relationship.

• Inability to make decisions
• Passivity
• Avoiding personal responsibility
• Avoiding being alone
• Devastation or helplessness when relationships end
• Unable to meet ordinary demands of life
• Preoccupied with fears of being abandoned
• Easily hurt by criticism or disapproval

Complications

• May suffer from depression
• May abuse alcohol or drugs
• May be susceptible to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

Signs and tests

A person with dependent personality disorder may:

• Be unable to make decisions
• Avoid personal responsibility
• Avoid being alone
• Feel devastated or helpless when relationships end
• Be unable to meet ordinary demands of life
• Become preoccupied with fears of being abandoned
• Be easily hurt by criticism or disapproval
• Be extremely passive in relation to other people

next: Treatment of Dependent Personality Disorder

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Reviewed: 04/2006