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Dependent Personality Disorder

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Dependent Personality Disorder

Definition

Dependent personality disorder is a pattern of helpless behavior. People who have it depend on others too much. They may feel unable to care for themselves.

Causes

The cause is not known. It may be due to genes and environment.

The Central Nervous System.

A personality disorder is most likely a combination of chemical or electrical imbalances in the brain and a reaction to traumatic personal experiences.

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Risk Factors

Dependent personality disorder is more common in women and young adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Childhood loss of a parent
  • Child abuse or neglect
  • Long childhood illness

Symptoms

Symptoms may be:

  • Unfounded fear
  • Feeling powerless
  • Often needing others for:
    • Advice
    • Decisions
    • Approval
  • Low self-confidence
  • A strong reaction to criticism
  • Fear of rejection

Diagnosis

The doctor may refer you to mental health care. A therapist will ask about symptoms. A mental and health history will be taken. Diagnosis will be based on assessments.

Treatment

The goal is to help the person function. Other mental health problems may need treatment. Options may be:

  • Counseling—to help with coping
  • Support groups
  • Medicines—to treat problems such as anxiety and depression

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent dependent personality disorder.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Alcohol use disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/alcohol-use-disorder.
  • Furnham A. A big five facet analysis of sub-clinical dependent personality disorder (dutifulness). Psychiatry Res. 2018;270:622-626.
  • Overview of personality disorders. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/personality-disorders/overview-of-personality-disorders.
  • Personality disorder. Mental Health America website. Available at: http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/conditions/personality-disorder.

Contributors

  • Adrian Preda, MD
Last Updated:
2023-04-12

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.