Dependent Personality Disorder - 10 Signs You Are Suffering from it!

Have you been getting emotionally dependent on other people? Are you not being able to make your own decisions and feel like taking suggestions or advice? These symptoms signify dependent personality disorder, which is a common form of personality disorder. This disorder may occur in both men and women, especially during young adulthood. It is caused due to a combination of biological, developmental, psychological and temperamental factors. It is also likely to develop in people whose parents are authoritarian and overprotective.

Symptoms

People affected with dependent personality disorder may experience the following symptoms:

1. The inability of making the pettiest of decisions without consulting other people.

2. The person may avoid all responsibilities and be helpless or passive. He or she may get dependent on their spouse or friends.

3. The person has a great fear of getting abandoned by friends and loved ones. A sense of devastation develops when a relationship ends.

4. The patient gets extra sensitive to any form of criticism.

5. Self-confidence and self-reliance are lost, and the person becomes pessimistic. They may feel that they cannot take care of themselves.

6. The person will tend to avoid disagreeing with others as they fear of losing approval or support.

7. Difficulty is experienced while being alone.

8. The patient develops a willingness to tolerate any kind of abuse or bad behavior from others.

9. The patient is unable to start any new project owing to lack of confidence.

10. A tendency to fantasize and be naïve develops.

Treatment

In major cases of dependent personality disorder, the affected people usually do not seek treatment for the disorder. Instead, they would want treatment when a certain problem in life becomes overwhelming and they cannot cope with it. The symptoms of depression and anxiety are treated.

Psychotherapy is the primary method used in the treatment of dependent personality disorder. Psychotherapy aims at making the affected person independent and active. He is taught how to form and maintain healthy relationships. Regular sessions with a therapist are good for making the patient better. Cognitive behavior therapy and assertiveness training may also be used.

Several medicines may be prescribed for treating people with dependent personality disorder. The medicines help in the management of depression and anxiety, which are common symptoms.  The medications must be monitored well, as the patient may abuse these prescription drugs or use them inappropriately.

People affected with dependent personality disorder are at an enhanced risk of substance abuse. They are also prone to being abused by other people as they are willing to do anything in order to maintain a relationship. You should visit a psychiatrist in case you experience any symptoms of this condition. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a psychiatrist.