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Dependent Personality Disorder by Krisha McCoy, MS

Definition

Dependent personality disorder is characterized by dependent and submissive behavior. The person often defers the majority or all decision-making to someone else. People with this type of personality disorder are not aware that their thoughts and behaviors are inappropriate.

Causes

It is not clear what causes personality disorders, but it is likely a combination of genetic (inherited) factors and a person's environment.

The Central Nervous System

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of acquiring a disease or condition.

Factors that increase the risk of dependent personality disorder include:

Age: early adulthood
Gender: female
Major depression
Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Social phobia
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Alcohol abuse or dependence
Early childhood parental loss
Child abuse or neglect
Chronic physical illness during childhood

Symptoms

Symptoms of dependent personality disorder may include:

Anxiety
Irrational fear
Relying on others for guidance, decision-making, reassurance, and advice
Excessive sensitivity to criticism
A strong fear of rejection
Perception of oneself as powerless

Diagnosis

You will likely be referred to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional. You will be asked about your symptoms. A mental and medical health history will be taken. A diagnosis will be made after a complete psychiatric assessment that rules out other disorders.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include:

Counseling

Counseling may be beneficial for people with dependent personality disorder. Counseling sessions focus on learning how to manage your anxiety and be more assertive.

Medications

In some cases, medications, such as tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or alprazolam, may help manage symptoms. For most patients, medications only provide a minimal amount of symptom relief.

Other Treatments

Other treatments, such as group therapy and social skills training, can help you manage symptoms.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent dependent personality disorder.

RESOURCES:

Mental Health America http://www.nmha.org
National Institute of Mental Health http://www.nimh.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Mental Health Association http://www.cmha.ca
Canadian Psychiatric Association http://www.cpa-apc.org

References:

Bornstein RF. From dysfunction to adaptation: an interactionist model of dependency. Annu Rev Clin Psychol . 2012;8:291-316.
Dependent personality disorder. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed . Accessed December 15, 2011. Updated October 11, 2012.
Personality disorders. Mental Health America website. Available at: http://www.nmha.org/index.cfm?objectId=C7DF8E96-1372-4D20-C87D9CD4FB6BE82F . Accessed October 11 ,2012.

Last reviewed September 2012 by Rimas Lukas, MD

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