Dependent Personality Disorder

Discover whether or not Dependent Personality Disorder is a problem for you!

The main feature of Dependent Personality Disorder is an overwhelming need to be taken care of by others, which results in clingy behavior. This disorder typically begins in early adulthood.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), dependent personality symptoms are as follows…

The individual needs to have at least 5 of these symptoms in order to be diagnosed with Dependent Personality Disorder:

• Difficulty making their own decisions without the advice or reassurance of someone else.


• Difficulty taking responsibility for their own choices, decisions, and other daily activities. Relies on others to take the responsibility for them.


• Difficulty expressing disagreements with others due to fear of loss of approval or support.


• Difficulty starting projects and other activities on own due to lacking self-confidence in abilities.


• Will excessively put oneself at risk for unpleasant activities in order to gain nurturance and support from others.


• Doesn't like to be alone and feels helpless/uncomfortable when put in that situation. Fear that he or she will be unable to care for oneself on their own.


• Immediately seeks another relationship when a close relationship ends.


• Preoccupied with unrealistic fears of abandonment.

If you feel that you may have a dependent personality, talk to a local therapist or doctor about your concerns. Keep in mind, in order to be diagnosed with this condition, this disorder has to take up a significant part of your daily living. In other words, if your symptoms haven't caused several problems with the law, in your relationships, or with your career/job, then it's unlikely that this disorder is an issue.

However, it's not uncommon to have a few of these symptoms at one point in your life! Just remember, it has to be severe enough that it has affected your ability to function in a logical, respectful manner.

Resource:

Related Articles:

How your thoughts affect your feelings.
Awareness of your feelings
Becoming your own best friend

Return from Dependent Personality Disorder to Building Self-Confidence