From the Research
Dependent personality disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clingy behavior and fears of separation, as described in a comprehensive review of the disorder 1.
Key Characteristics
The disorder is marked by several key characteristics, including:
- Difficulty making everyday decisions without excessive advice and reassurance from others
- Needing others to assume responsibility for major areas of their life
- Trouble expressing disagreement with others
- Struggling to initiate projects on their own
- Going to excessive lengths to obtain support from others
- Feeling uncomfortable or helpless when alone
- Urgently seeking another relationship when one ends
Treatment and Prognosis
Treatment for dependent personality disorder typically involves psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help individuals develop greater independence and self-confidence 2. Sometimes, medications like antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs may be prescribed if the person also experiences depression or anxiety. The exact cause of the disorder is unknown, but it likely involves a combination of biological factors, childhood experiences (particularly overprotective or authoritarian parenting), and social learning. Recovery is possible with appropriate treatment, though it often requires long-term therapy to address deeply ingrained patterns of dependent behavior.
Recent Studies
Recent studies have highlighted the importance of personalized treatment approaches, including the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy, in treating major depressive disorder 3, 2. However, these studies are not directly related to dependent personality disorder, and therefore, their findings should not be extrapolated to this specific condition.
Recommendation
Based on the most recent and highest quality evidence, cognitive-behavioral therapy is the recommended treatment approach for dependent personality disorder, as it has been shown to be effective in helping individuals develop greater independence and self-confidence 1.