What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?

What Is A Personality Disorder And What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?

Everyone is made up of unique traits and characteristics that make them who they are. These traits, developed through DNA and life experiences, make up our personalities. Our personalities can affect the relationships we build, including our friendships and the partner we choose. They can also affect career choices and the method in which we deal with stress and conflict. Personality disorders describe personality traits that are disruptive or that lead to difficulties in relationships and overall happiness. They tend to affect the way an individual thinks, functions, and behaves. Dependent personality disorder traits can be described as erratic, odd and eccentric, attention-seeking, or excessively dependent. These traits deviate from the norm.

How Is Dependent Personality Disorder Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a dependent personality disorder requires certain traits over a specified period. According to the DSM-5, a dependent personality disorder diagnosis requires at least five of the following characteristics:

  • Difficulty making decisions, especially without the assistance or reassurance of others
  • Needs others in their life to take responsibility for major plans
  • Difficulty expressing disagreement for fear of loss of approval
  • Problem starting projects or being independent
  • Actions that encourage support or nurturing from others, even the unpleasant tasks that they dislike or staying in abusive relationships
  • Feeling uncomfortable or helpless when on their own
  • Frequently seeking new relationships following the conclusion of one
  • Preoccupied with fears of being alone

The diagnosis of a dependent personality disorder requires the evaluation of mental health professionals. The counselor or psychologist will complete a thorough assessment, considering symptoms and history, when determining whether a dependent personality disorder diagnosis is appropriate.

While medical doctors are not trained to deal with a dependent personality disorder, they can often refer you to a mental health provider. They can also rule out other medical problems that could lead to or mimic dependent personality disorder symptoms.

Personality disorders are not usually diagnosed until early adulthood. This is because the personality is developed during the late-teenage to early adulthood years. Problematic dependent behavior may still change with time. 

Some degree of dependence is also expected during childhood. Children are expected to rely on their parents to make critical decisions. Because of this, dependent behaviors may not be identifiable until the child becomes an adult. Issues of dependency may not even be noticeable until the child begins to form adult relationships.

What Are The Symptoms Of Dependent Personality Disorder?

Dependent personality disorder describes the behaviors and needs of an individual who is overly reliant on others. Individuals with dependent personality disorder are usually submissive and attention-seeking in their relationships, leaving big decisions and their basic needs to others. The driving factors of someone with a dependent personality disorder is to behave in a way that encourages the caretaking and attention of those around them.

Dependent personality disorder often includes the following:

  • Desire and need to be taken care of
  • Fear of being separated
  • Fear of being abandoned
  • Dependent and submissive behavior
  • A negative or pessimistic outlook on life
  • Avoid leadership
  • Avoid responsibility
  • Overly anxious with the idea of decision making
  • Few relationships
  • Difficulty taking action
  • Takes steps to warrant the approval of others
  • Frequently seeking out a new relationship after ending one
  • Inability to work independently
  • Lack of trust in self and low confidence

Individuals with a dependent personality disorder sometimes referred to as asthenic personality disorder, tend to let others make decisions that directly affect them. This could be as minimal as the clothing that they wear or as significant as where they decide to live. They will usually agree with these decisions, regardless of whether it is what they want.

How Do You Treat Dependent Personality Disorder?

The treatment of dependent personality disorder (DPD) is based on awareness and improvement of symptoms. Psychotherapy is one of the most effective treatment options for many of the personality disorders. Older research initially concluded that personality disorders could not be treated, that our personalities were consistent throughout adulthood. 

However, newer evidence suggests that some symptoms of personality disorders can be improved. Treatment usually includes some type of psychodynamic therapy.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used when treating personality disorders. The theory includes techniques that encourage the individual to identify irrational beliefs that are based on their actions. Specifically, dependent personality disorder treatment often includes:

  • Education of dependent personality disorder, sometimes in a group therapy setting
  • Learning how to identify irrational beliefs
  • Learning to challenge irrational beliefs
  • Developing decision-making skills
  • Developing relationship building skills
  • Improving self-confidence and the ability to live and work independently

The goal in therapy for a dependent personality disorder is to help the individual identify behaviors that are not useful and work toward becoming more independent. Building relationship skills are also essential as many individuals with dependent personality disorder have estranged or conflicted relationships.

Treatment for personality disorders might include techniques from the following psychological theories:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Psychoanalytic therapy
  • Family and relationship counseling

The treatment for personality disorders is often longterm. However, specifically for DPD, a combination of short and longterm therapies may be used to avoid developing a dependence on the therapist. In some cases, medications may be used to treat co-occurring disorders, like depression. It is essential to monitor prescription use because there is a risk of substance dependency with individuals who share traits of DPD.

Because of the effect that the dependent personality mental disorder can have on family and relationships, family counseling is also often recommended. In addition to developing awareness of dependent behaviors, family members and spouses can learn to recognize these behaviors while encouraging their loved ones to be more independent. 

Parents may not realize that their overly protective actions are inhibiting their teens from learning essential decision-making skills. Spouses may not realize that by handling most of the decision-making in the relationship, they encourage their partner’s dependency.

Challenges Of Dependent Personality Disorder Treatments

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges with treating personality disorders, including dependent personality disorder, is that many patients with a personality disorder do not seek treatment. It is usually not until a breakup or other challenging life event leads to the individual seeking therapy. 

Additionally, when they seek treatment, it is not often for the dependent personality, but instead, for an event in their life that they describe as being unrelated. Many individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for a dependent personality disorder do not even know that they have one. Instead, they may see that they have difficulty with relationships, and the dependent person may be unhappy with work and life, but they may attribute these things to low self-confidence or by blaming others.

When seeking treatment for dependent personality disorder, it is essential to note that working with a therapist who is familiar with personality disorders is crucial. The therapist-patient relationship is one of collaboration, but the therapist’s authoritative role can mimic some of the dependent relationships in the individual’s life. This could lead to the dependency of the therapist’s guidance, making it challenging to overcome symptoms.

Is Codependency The Same Thing As Dependent Personality Disorder?

The word dependency tends to be used interchangeably with similar words, like insecurity and codependency. A dependent personality disorder is not the same thing as codependency. One of the most significant differences is that individuals with DPD tend to feel anxiety or fear when they are not around others. 

In a codependent relationship, individuals may display dependent traits with their partner, but their ability to function is not based on others. Individuals with a dependent personality disorder will show dependency and neediness in most of their relationships. Codependency is more about enabling the other person to make poor decisions or ignoring problematic behaviors, like substance abuse. Insecure individuals tend to feel uncomfortable or are concerned about others’ impressions of them, but do not often feel fearful of being alone.

Codependency also usually occurs in a relationship, whereas individuals with a dependent personality disorder may be dependent on parents and friends too.

What Is Emotionally Dependency?

Emotional dependency is also often used to describe dependent relationships. Emotional dependency is when an individual’s self-worth is reliant on their relationship. It is most commonly found in intimate relationships, either between spouses or partners. While you might expect to be emotionally connected to your spouse, it is not the same as an emotional dependency. An individual who is emotionally dependent will:

  • Give more than they receive: Relationships should be about giving and getting. Emotionally dependent partners tend to give more than they get.
  • Rely on the assurance of their partner: An individual who is emotionally dependent relies on the guarantee of their spouse to feel loved or confident.

Emotional dependency can be a part of dependent personality disorder. Individuals with DPD are often the givers in their relationship and may tie their emotional health and happiness to their partner or spouse’s acceptance. However, the difference is that an individual with DPD will also seek the same assurances and emotional needs of others. Of course, emotional dependency can cause relationship difficulties, but it is not entirely the same as a dependent personality disorder.

What Causes Dependent Personality Disorder?

It is unknown what causes personality disorders, including DPD, but many believe that a combination of numerous factors, including genetics and environment, contributes to it.

The following likely contribute to the development of personality disorders:

  • Genetics: There is evidence pointing to a genetic component of personality disorders, including dependent personality disorder. Individuals with a family member with a DPD or family history of anxiety or depression could increase the chances of developing a dependent personality disorder.
  • Environment: Environmental influences that occur during childhood and throughout the teenage years can lead to an individual feeling less confident and overly concerned about losing relationships close to them. This could result from overprotective parenting, trauma, chronic illness, or even separation anxiety disorder.

Specifically, with a dependent personality disorder, individuals with a history of chronic health problems or unresolved separation anxiety can learn to become overly reliant on others. People learn coping mechanisms during childhood and into their teenage years. Experiencing trauma or abuse during this time can lead to challenges with becoming independent as an adult. Environmental events from early adulthood could also contribute to dependent personality disorder. For example, an individual with a predisposition to DPD may begin to feel dependent following a longterm, abusive relationship.

Inadequate social support can also lead to dependent personalities. If an individual goes through a stressful time and has a limited group of people to turn to, they may eventually learn to be dependent on those few people. This is why many individuals with DPD stay in a conflicted or abusive relationship.

It is estimated that approximately 9% of the population has a personality disorder, with less than 1% with a dependent personality disorder. DPD is found equally among genders. It is also possible to meet the diagnostic criteria for more than one personality disorder. Dependent personality disorder and borderline personality disorder commonly co-occur. Both share similar behavioral traits of being fearful of rejection or abandonment.

What Are The 3 Types Of Personality Disorders?

The DSM-5 recognizes three types of personality disorders. These disorders are categorized into clusters, which include:

Cluster A

Cluster A disorders include behaviors that can be described as odd and eccentric. It consists of the following personality disorders:

  • Paranoid personality disorder: Behaviors of distrust and suspicion characterize paranoid personality disorder. They doubt the loyalty of others and have difficulty with criticism.
  • Schizoid personality disorder: Schizoid personality disorder is characterized by a type of detachment from social relationships and a lack of emotional responses.
  • Schizotypal personality disorder: Schizotypal personality disorder includes behaviors of distorted perceptions and odd and eccentric beliefs. This personality disorder often leads to difficulty in relationships.

Personality disorders in cluster A make it difficult for individuals to have relationships due to odd social behaviors. Individuals are either distrustful or lack critical social skills.

Cluster B

Cluster B includes behaviors that can be described as emotional or erratic. It consists of the following personality disorders:

  • Antisocial personality disorder: Antisocial personality disorder contains antisocial behaviors, including ignoring social norms and frequent criminal behaviors.
  • Borderline personality disorder: Borderline personality disorder includes impulsive behaviors, often leading to poor interpersonal relationships and frequent manic episodes.
  • Narcissistic personality disorder: Narcissistic personality disorder describes behavioral traits that exaggerate the sense of self. Individuals are always trying to achieve unrealistic power.
  • Histrionic personality disorder: Histrionic personality disorder describes behaviors that are attention-seeking and done in an attempt to become the center of attention.

Personality disorders in cluster B will often have difficulty controlling emotions. They may also act in a way that is erratic or irrational.

Cluster C

Cluster C includes behaviors that can be described as anxious or nervous. It consists of the following personality disorders:

  • Avoidant personality disorder: Avoidant personality disorder includes traits and behaviors of avoidance. They fear being rejected by others and will often avoid social interactions entirely.
  • Dependent personality disorder: Dependent personality disorder includes traits of dependency. Individuals are fearful of losing close relationships and will do things that ensure the care of those around them.
  • Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: Obsessive-compulsive disorder includes behavioral traits of order and perfection. Individuals fear change and disruption and will often become preoccupied with rules and regulations.

Personality disorders in cluster C will often have limited social relationships due to avoidant or dependent behaviors. Individuals are often fearful of losing those near them.

The DSM-5 recognizes a total of 10 personality disorders. With many clusters sharing similar traits, it is also possible to meet the criteria of more than one mental disorder. Recognizing these co-occurring disorders is vital for effective treatment. Failing to treat one mental illness can worsen the symptoms of the other, and vice versa.

How Do You Know If Someone Has a Personality Disorder?

Being in a relationship with or living in the same household with someone who has a personality disorder can be difficult, especially if they are not currently receiving treatment for their mental condition. While it is not possible to diagnose someone with a personality disorder by merely watching behaviors, there are a few signs that could indicate a consultation with a trained therapist is needed.

You might lookout for the following signs of a personality disorder:

  • Poor relationships
  • Inability to manage emotions
  • Erratic behaviors
  • Often anxious or fearful
  • Antisocial behaviors
  • Avoidant behaviors
  • Impulsive behaviors
  • Increased substance use

It is important to note that personality disorders can co-occur with not only other personality disorders but also other mental health conditions. It can also be helpful to be aware of the following co-occurring conditions when dealing with a loved one with DPD. Individuals with dependent personality disorder are more likely to also experience:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): Individuals with DPD tend to feel anxious when faced with making decisions or alone.
  • Depression: The isolation of DPD can leave individuals feeling depressed.
  • Particular phobias: Fear of being alone or independent can lead to the avoidance of specific locations or events, leading to a phobia.
  • Drug and alcohol abuse: Some individuals dealing with a personality disorder will turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to self medicate.

Individuals with dependent personality disorder are also at risk of being in an abusive relationship. Because they may feel like they can’t speak up or won’t make it on their own, they may stay in risky relationships. It is also essential to look out for suicidal ideation when dealing with personality disorders. Individuals with a dependent personality disorder may feel hopeless after losing a relationship. They may feel like they cannot make it without that individual, increasing the risk of suicide.

Other Facts About Personality Disorders: What Is The Most Common Personality Disorder?

The personality disorder with the highest rate of occurrence is an obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. According to the Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, the personality disorders with the highest incidents include:

  • Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder: 7.9%
  • Narcissistic personality disorder: 6.2%
  • Borderline personality disorder: 5.9%

These numbers may be much higher as individuals with a personality disorder do not often seek treatment.

What Is The Most Difficult Personality Disorder To Treat?

While there is some degree of difficulty in treating any type of personality disorder, some are more difficult to treat. Personality disorders like histrionic, antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic personalities can be more challenging to treat. These personality disorders include behavioral traits that include distrust in others, which can prevent them from seeking treatment.

Do Personality Disorders Get Worse With Age?

In general, our personality traits will stick with us for life. However, there is some evidence that shows that personality disorders do improve with specific treatments. Whether the symptoms get better or worse with age depends on the particular personality disorder. Some mental disorders, including ones that include odd and anxious behaviors, can get worse as the individual ages. However, others like histrionic, antisocial, borderline, and narcissistic personalities tend to get better.

Professionals are not sure if this is due to an increasing genetic component or the buildup of isolation or poor relationships over the years. Because many individuals with personality disorders tend to distance themselves from others, they may not have the close relationships or support system they need. Individuals with DPD may be more likely to be in abusive relationships with limited social support, which can worsen their dependency. Things like divorce or the break up of a longterm relationship are also more likely, which can be overwhelming for someone with DPD. 

The possibility of symptoms increasing with age means that it is more important than ever before to seek treatment. Whether disruptive personality traits lead to isolation, conflicted relationships, the inability to make decisions, or general dissatisfaction with life, treatment is vital in overcoming these symptoms.  

Dependent personality disorder can make it challenging to maintain healthy relationships and to be independent. While the cause of DPD is unknown, it is estimated that genetics and an environment of trauma or poor relationships lead to it. Fortunately, with psychodynamic psychotherapy and education, it is often possible to improve the symptoms of dependent personality disorder.