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The Mystery of Dependent Personality Disorder: Do You Know How It Affects Relationships?
Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a profoundly affected personality disorder characterized by dependence on others. This type of personality disorder affects the individual's emotional and physical needs, making them dependent on others to meet these needs. This disorder is a Type C personality disorder that is often accompanied by excessive fear and anxiety, manifests itself in early adulthood, and affects daily functioning. When a partnership ends, these people often feel extremely helpless or hopeless. This article will provide an in-depth look at the effects, symptoms, and diagnosis of Dependent Personality Disorder, and explore its impact on relationships.
Symptoms and signs
People with dependent personality disorder tend to be overly dependent on others when making decisions. They lack independence and are unable to make choices confidently.
They tend to put the needs and opinions of others before their own needs, which causes them to exhibit strong passivity and dependent behavior.
This over-dependent behavior makes them feel lonely and isolated without a partner. Due to the fear of separation, these people often show dependence and following behavior on their companions. Most individuals with this disorder display a pessimistic attitude when facing life challenges and are more susceptible to criticism.
Risk factors
Experiencing neglect or abuse as a child often increases the risk of developing dependent personality disorder. Long-term abusive relationships and overprotective parents also increase the risk. If there is a history of anxiety disorders in the family, it may affect the subsequent development of the individual.
Reason
Although the specific cause of dependency personality disorder is unknown, research suggests that the disorder is largely influenced by genetics. A 2012 study suggested that 55% to 72% of the risk may come from parents' genes.
Affected by overprotective and authoritarian parenting, children's maturity and independence may be limited.
In addition, traumatic or adverse experiences in early life, such as neglect, abuse, or serious illness, can significantly increase the chance of later developing a personality disorder.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing dependent personality disorder requires an assessment based on multiple components, including cognition, motivation, behavior, and emotion.
This disorder is characterized by excessive dependence on others, fear of loneliness and abandonment, resulting in submissive and clinging behaviors.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), a diagnosis requires at least five characteristics, including difficulty making everyday decisions without concern for others.
Treatment methods
Psychotherapy is the main treatment modality for individuals with dependent personality disorder. The main goal of therapy is to help individuals increase their self-confidence and independence.
Typically, this process involves improving an individual's self-esteem and helping them develop healthy relationships.
Also, in cases of co-occurring depression or anxiety, doctors may use medications to control symptoms, but this does not directly address the core issues of dependent personality disorder.
Epidemiology
According to a recent survey, 0.49% of American adults meet the diagnostic criteria for dependent personality disorder, and the incidence rate is higher in women than in men.
There is evidence that the disorder is highly genetic and often manifests itself in childhood or adolescence.
Conclusion
Dependent personality disorder not only affects an individual's mental health, but can also have a profound impact on their interpersonal relationships. Understanding the characteristics and effects of this disorder can help increase society's emphasis on mental health and promote timely diagnosis and treatment. Whether it is the individual living in it, or the friends and family around us, we should think about how to better support those who face dependent personality disorder?
