From the Research
Treatment Approaches for Codependency (Dependent Personality Disorder)
- Various studies have explored the treatment of codependency, with a focus on psychotherapeutic strategies 1, 2, 3, 4.
- Codependency can be viewed as a learned helplessness, and treatment guidelines have been suggested to empower individuals seeking therapy 1.
- Brief therapy for codependent families can be effective when combined with follow-up and referral to resources such as Al-Anon family groups 2.
- Psychotherapies for dependent personality disorder aim to increase self-esteem, autonomy, and adaptive dependence, with various approaches including analytical, behavioral, cognitive, humanist, and brief systemic therapies 3.
Effective Therapies for Dependent Personality Disorder
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mentalization-based therapy, and schema therapy have shown promise in treating borderline personality disorder, but their effectiveness for dependent personality disorder is less clear 5.
- Clarification-oriented psychotherapy (COP) has been studied as a treatment for dependent personality disorder, with a focus on patient-therapist interactions and their links to treatment outcome 4.
- The quality of the therapeutic relationship, understanding of content, and directivity have been identified as important factors in predicting decrease in dependency traits 4.
Key Considerations for Treatment
- Evaluation of the type of dependence is crucial in determining the therapeutic approach, with primary and secondary dependence requiring different focuses 3.
- Comorbidity and its appearance over time should be considered in the treatment of dependent personality disorder 3.
- The therapeutic relationship and interaction processes play a significant role in the treatment of dependent personality disorder, with a focus on increasing self-esteem, autonomy, and adaptive dependence 3, 4.