Have you noticed that your loved one cannot make any independent decisions? Do they seem to form strong emotional attachments, that are oftentimes one-sided? Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a disorder in which a person is unable to be alone. They express symptoms of anxiety, and constantly need reassurance from others in order to feel comforted and stable. It is suggested that 2.5% of the United States population has this disorder, with 14% of people who have personality disorders having this one in particular. Recognizing the signs of DPD could mean helping your loved one seek treatment so that they can develop healthy perceptions of themselves and others.
Signs of DPD include:
- Being overly sensitive to criticism
- Denies their individuality
- Views themselves as inadequate, helpless
- Views others as competent, powerful
- Fears separation from those they perceive to take good care of them
- Spends much time trying to make others happy
- Places their fate in the hands of others, and is very passive in relationships
There are 3 main types of personality disorders: 1) odd or eccentric behavior, 2) emotional or erratic behavior, or 3) anxious, nervous behavior. DPD falls into category 3, as the person heavily relies on others to build their self-esteem, making their decisions, account for their success, and more. Sadly, this can get out of hand if a person becomes so dependent on another that they settle in a relationship. A 2017 review conducted by researchers from Italy emphasized the fact that many people with DPD are subject to abusive relationships, with the worst circumstances involving death from intimate partner violence.
While there is no particular “cure” for the disorder, your loved one could undergo a long-term behavioral treatment program to help them develop tools towards positive, productive thinking and behavioral patterns. The only way for your loved one to get better is to seek help. If they will not listen to you directly, you may consider hosting an intervention with a licensed interventionist so that you can present treatment options and explain to your loved one the effects of their disorder on themselves and those around them.
Stop the cycle of merry-go-round treatment and find the solution you’re looking for in trauma treatment. Through effective residential treatment, Khiron House helps you find the path you need toward health and wellness in recovery. For information, call us today. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours). USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).