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Do you always need other people’s opinions? This could be a sign of dependent personality disorder!
Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a persistent psychological disorder characterized by a deep dependence on others. This personality disorder typically begins in early adolescence and affects a person's ability to function in a variety of situations, including work, social, and family relationships. People with this disorder are often unable to make independent decisions and often require approval and support from others to meet their emotional and physical needs.
Symptoms of dependent personality disorder often include extremely submissive and passive behavior, as well as experiencing a profound sense of loss or helplessness after a relationship ends.
Symptoms and signs
People with dependent personality disorder are overly dependent on others to make decisions and display characteristics that indicate they doubt their own judgment. As a result, they tend to put the needs and opinions of others above their own. This behavior pattern causes them to become passive and dependent, and to have a strong fear of separation. When alone, these individuals often feel lonely and isolated because their dependence on others makes it difficult for them to self-soothe.
Individuals with this personality disorder often display negative psychological traits, become upset by difficult situations in their lives, and expect the worst.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for dependent personality disorder include early abuse or neglect and overprotective parenting. Lack of healthy social support can also make an individual more susceptible to developing the disorder. According to research, people with a family history of anxiety disorders are at an increased risk of developing dependent personality disorder.
Diagnostic criteria
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) diagnoses dependent personality disorder based on whether an individual meets at least five of the following characteristics:
- Difficulty making day-to-day decisions without excessive advice and reassurance from others.
- Requires others to take responsibility for most important life decisions.
- Have difficulty expressing dissenting opinions for fear of losing support or approval.
- Having trouble starting projects or doing things independently.
Treatment methods
Psychotherapy is often the first choice of treatment for people with dependent personality disorder. The main aim is to help them build confidence, increase their sense of self-worth, and promote independence. While medication can be used to relieve the symptoms associated with anxiety or depression, it does not address the core issues that plague them.
EpidemiologyAccording to the latest survey results, approximately 0.49% of American adults meet the diagnostic criteria for dependent personality disorder. The incidence rate in females (0.6%) is slightly higher than that in males (0.4%). This suggests that the heritability of the disorder may be as high as 81%.
Final Thoughts
If you often feel that you need the confirmation and opinions of others before you can make any decision in your life, does this make you think about your interpersonal relationships and their impact, and then examine your own mental state?
