Dependent Personality Disorder - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

Dependent personality disorder is a type of anxious personality disorder. A person with such a condition is submissive, incapable of taking responsibility and taking care of themselves. They find it difficult to be alone and always need support. These types of personalities will be emotionally attached to parents or near ones.

What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?

A dependent personality disorder is one type of disorder that is associated with anxiety. Patients suffering from this disorder feel insecure and helpless. They find it hard to take care of themselves. Making a simple decision might be hard for them. Mental experts say that the way these people think might be different. They always rely on others to fulfill their needs. Above 10 % of people are affected by this disorder. Three clusters of personality disorders are categorized A, B, and C. Dependent personality disorder belongs to cluster C. People affected by this condition might show symptoms in adulthood. This disorder might be easily treated if the patient cooperates well.

What Are the Causes of Dependent Personality Disorder?

The various causes of dependent personality disorder are:

• Trauma in Childhood: Kids who have experienced traumatic interpersonal relationships in childhood might develop a fear in their minds. They also feel it is neglected most of the time. This is most commonly seen in children who are affected by verbal and sexual abuse. An abusive relationship can serve as the highest risk factor for dependent personality disorder.

• Family History: If any one of the family members is affected by dependent personality disorder or anxiety disorder, then there are probable chances for the patient who gets affected by dependent personality disorder.

• Diversity in Religious and Cultural Behaviors: Some families follow a religious and cultural pattern that might not suit the person’s standards of the individual. A forceful attempt to make a person follow it might lead them to a path of dependence.

However, the exact cause is still under research by mental health professionals. They say that dependent personality disorder can happen as a result of environmental and genetic factors as well.

What Are the Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder?

The symptoms of dependent personality disorder are:

• Lack of self-confidence.

• Extremely sensitive behavior to criticism.

• Fear of being separated from their loved ones.

• Difficulty staying alone without moral support.

• Difficulty in making simple decisions.

• Increased level of focus on others needs.

• Unable to accept disagreement.

• Staying very passive in a relationship.

• Experiencing a higher level of distress in argumentative situations.

• Completely depending on others for their physical and emotional needs.

• Anxious when they stay isolated.

• Need for repeated reassurance.

• Relying on family and friends for minor decisions.

• Feeling rejected most of the time.

In addition to the above psychological symptoms, these people also experience certain physical signs and symptoms like:

• Hopelessness.

• Fear.

• Nervousness.

• Panic attack.

The above-mentioned symptoms might resemble the symptoms of anxiety disorder as a dependent personality disorder is one of its types. In addition to this, the patient might also experience depression. It is necessary to address the developmental and biological factors at an initial stage.

Are Dependent Personality Disorder Patients Clingy?

We cannot conclude that dependent personality disorders are clingy. The disabilities in their behavior to function alone both emotionally and physically might make them additionally dependent on others. If this dependence is seen in children, it might be considered normal. After an individual move into adulthood, a certain degree of independence should be given for a healthy physical and mental state. Depending too much on others, even for minor issues, might make the person lack self-love and self-trust in the long run.

Is Dependent Personality Disorder Specific for Any Gender?

Dependent personality disorder can affect both genders. Physiological changes such as the menstrual cycle can cause a certain degree of higher incidence of dependent personality disorder in women. It is a natural ability of a woman to expect a certain degree of reassurance from their family and friends. This behavior might be visibly noted during their menstrual periods and pregnancy.

An increase in the expected attitude of women during these specific periods might make them look dependent on others. Hence, the diagnosis should not be made on these occasions. In general, parenting style can greatly contribute to the shaping of behavior rather than physiological changes.

Do Kids Who Are Born With Siblings Affected?

Kids who are born with siblings are affected more than single kids. There is a common misconception that single kids are always clingy and dependent on others. This might not be true. Kids without siblings might learn to finish academic and personal tasks with their efforts. They naturally develop an independent nature. Siblings who are older in the family are grown up in an overprotective manner. They are always instructed to serve their younger siblings, proving it as their sole responsibility and obligation. This develops a degree of dependence on all the family members. They also start forgetting their own needs, and they are always in the zone of others’ requirements and desires. Therefore, the elder kid of the family is more likely to suffer from a dependent personality disorder.

What Are the Risk Factors of Dependent Personality Disorder?

Certain factors truly contribute to the elevation of symptoms caused by dependent personality disorder.

They are:

• Increase in abusive patterns.

• Overprotective parents.

• Dominating interpersonal relationships.

• Increase in negligence.

How Is Dependent Personality Disorder Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of dependent personality disorder requires keen observation of the patient. A general physical examination would be required to identify the symptoms of nervousness and fear. The degree of anxiety should be recorded by a psychiatrist or psychologist. They also note down the behavioral pattern and characteristics of an individual according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). When most of the criteria mentioned in this book are satisfied, then the person could be diagnosed to have a dependent personality disorder.

What Are the Treatment Options for a Dependent Personality Disorder?

• Patients with a dependent personality disorder do not require any medications for their behaviors. If the patient is suffering from severe anxiety, then anti-anxiety medications might be recommended by the doctor.

• Cognitive behavior therapy -This therapy combines cognitive and behavioral therapy. It is a psychotherapy that helps patients to identify their problems and to change certain behavior and emotions. Focuses to change the negative thoughts that may worsen life. Identifying negative thoughts, practicing new skills, goal setting, problem-solving, and self-monitoring are the key points in the cognitive behavior therapy

• Psychological counseling would be recommended for them so that they can overcome their fears. Group therapy is also highly beneficial for patients who are suffering from social anxiety.

What Are the Complications of Dependent Personality Disorder?

The possible complication of dependent personality disorder are:

• Substance abuse.

• Panic disorders.

• Obsessive-compulsive disorders.

• Depression.

Conclusion

Dependent personality disorder, if left untreated can lead to anxiety and depression. A mental health professional can help the patient to overcome such a disorder and to feel better. It helps to become self-confident and self-reliant. The therapy may take time and needs cooperation from the patients and the family.