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What is Dependent Personality Disorder? Dependent Personality Disorder Symptoms. Dependent Personality Disorder Causes.

Discover Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD): its symptoms, causes, and insights into living with and managing this condition.


Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD Disorder)

Dependent Personality Disorder falls within Cluster C personality disorders and is characterized by an excessive reliance on others for physical and emotional needs. Individuals with this condition often struggle to make decisions independently and experience feelings of helplessness when alone, as they believe they cannot care for themselves adequately. Rather than demonstrating self-sufficiency, they exhibit a pattern of dependency, clinginess, and submissive behavior.

This article delves into the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of Dependent Personality Disorder while addressing treatment options and coping strategies to comprehensively understand this condition.

At We Level Up Treatment Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate mental health treatment options designed to effectively relieve the distressing symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder.

What is Dependent Personality Disorder?

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a mental health condition classified within Cluster C personality disorders. It is characterized by an excessive reliance on others, both emotionally and physically. Individuals with DPD personality disorder often struggle to make decisions independently and feel helpless when alone, believing they cannot care for themselves.

They possess an overwhelming need for someone else to fulfill their physical and emotional needs. DPD is marked by a consistent pattern of needy, clingy, and submissive behaviors rather than demonstrating independence or self-sufficiency. It can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function autonomously and maintain healthy relationships.

Dependent Personality Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) typically include:

  • Excessive Need for Reassurance: Individuals with DPD constantly seek reassurance and approval from others for their decisions and actions.
  • Difficulty Making Decisions: They persistently fear making the wrong decisions and often rely on others to make choices for them, even in minor matters.
  • Avoidance of Responsibility: People with DPD tend to avoid taking on responsibilities requiring them to be independent.
  • Submissiveness: They often defer to others’ opinions and desires, even if it goes against their wishes or beliefs.
  • Fear of Abandonment: There is a deep-seated fear of being left alone or abandoned, leading to clinginess and an intense desire to maintain relationships.
  • Difficulty Initiating Projects: Initiating projects or tasks independently is challenging, as they feel they lack the ability to do so.
  • Overly Passive: Individuals with DPD are often passive in relationships, allowing others to lead and make decisions.
  • Low Self-Confidence: They have a generally common sense of self-worth and doubt their abilities.
  • Difficulty Being Alone: Being alone can cause extreme discomfort, as they feel incapable of self-care without external support.
  • Tolerance of Mistreatment: They may tolerate mistreatment or abusive behavior in relationships out of fear of losing the support of the person involved.

Codependent Personality Disorder Causes


“Codependent Personality Disorder” is not officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). However, codependency is often associated with specific relational and psychological patterns. These patterns can develop due to a combination of factors, including:

Causes of dependent personality disorder:

  • Family Dynamics: Growing up in a family where one or more members have addiction, mental health problems, or codependent behaviors can contribute to developing codependent patterns.
  • Childhood Trauma: Experiencing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse during childhood can increase the likelihood of developing codependent tendencies as a way to cope with unresolved trauma.
  • Low Self-Esteem: Individuals with low self-esteem may seek validation and self-worth through caregiving and pleasing others, leading to codependent behaviors.
  • Attachment Style: An insecure attachment style, characterized by fear of abandonment or difficulty trusting others, can contribute to codependent tendencies.
  • Cultural and Societal Factors: Societal norms and cultural values can influence the development of codependent behaviors, as some cultures may emphasize self-sacrifice and caretaking roles.
  • Substance Abuse and Addiction: A relationship with someone with a substance abuse or addiction problem can lead to codependent patterns as individuals try to enable or control the addicted person’s behavior.
  • Personality Traits: Certain personality traits, such as high agreeableness and low assertiveness, may predispose individuals to develop codependent relationship patterns.
  • Lack of Boundaries: Setting and maintaining personal boundaries can contribute to codependency, as individuals may excessively focus on others’ needs at their own expense.
Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a mental health condition classified within Cluster C personality disorders. It is characterized by an excessive reliance on others, both emotionally and physically. Individuals with DPD personality disorder often struggle to make decisions independently and feel helpless when alone, believing they cannot care for themselves.
Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a mental health condition classified within Cluster C personality disorders. It is characterized by an excessive reliance on others, both emotionally and physically. Individuals with DPD personality disorder often struggle to make decisions independently and feel helpless when alone, believing they cannot care for themselves.

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Overcoming dependent personality disorder can be an isolating and challenging journey. Many individuals grapple with excoriating disorder without adequate support, often experiencing setbacks in controlling and managing distressing symptoms.

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Dependant Personality Disorder Fact Sheet

Dependent Personality Disorder Definition (DPD)?

Dependent Personality Disorder is a mental health condition classified under Cluster C personality disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is characterized by a pervasive need for excessive support, validation, and guidance from others, leading to difficulty functioning independently.

Dependent Personality Disorders Key Facts

  • Dependence on Others: Individuals with DPD rely on others to meet their emotional and physical needs. They often fear being alone and feel incapable of self-sufficiency.
  • Submissive Behavior: Those with DPD display submissive and passive behaviors in relationships, allowing others to make decisions for them and avoiding personal responsibility.
  • Decision-Making Challenges: Making decisions, even minor ones, can be extremely difficult for individuals with DPD. They often seek others to make choices on their behalf.
  • Fear of Abandonment: There is a deep-seated fear of abandonment or rejection, which drives clinginess and the desire to maintain relationships at all costs.
  • Low Self-Confidence: People with DPD typically have low self-esteem and doubt their abilities, leading to their reliance on others for validation.
  • Avoidance of Independence: They actively avoid situations that require independence and self-reliance, often preferring to stay in dependent relationships.
  • Excessive Need for Reassurance: Constantly seeking reassurance and approval from others is an expected behavior in individuals with DPD.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Dependent Personality Disorder

  • Professional Assessment: Diagnosis of DPD is made by a mental health professional based on a thorough assessment of symptoms and behavior patterns.
  • Psychotherapy: Treatment often involves psychotherapy, particularly Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT). These therapies help individuals build self-esteem, develop healthier coping strategies, and learn to make independent decisions.
  • Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms of anxiety or depression that often co-occur with DPD.
  • Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive and understanding environment within personal relationships can be instrumental in the recovery process.
  • Self-Care: Encouraging self-care practices and self-esteem-building exercises can help individuals with DPD gradually gain independence.

Dependent Personality Disorder is a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need for support and validation from others, leading to difficulties in independent functioning. With appropriate therapy and support, individuals with DPD can develop healthier coping mechanisms and strive for greater independence.

Dependant Personality Disorder Statistics

Accurate and specific statistics on the prevalence of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) are challenging to provide due to underreporting and variations in diagnostic criteria. DPD is considered less common than other personality disorders and often co-occurs with anxiety and depression. Gender differences in DPD prevalence exist, with a slightly higher occurrence reported in women.

Typically, DPD becomes apparent in late adolescence or early adulthood, and many individuals with DPD may not seek treatment for the disorder itself but instead seek help for associated symptoms. While precise numbers and percentages may be elusive, appropriate therapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT), can effectively improve symptoms and functioning for individuals with DPD.


> 1%

DPD is considered one of the less common personality disorders. It tends to be diagnosed less frequently than other personality disorders, such as Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

Prevalent in Women

DPD is often reported to be more prevalent in women than in men, though the exact gender distribution may vary in different studies.

Source: National Institute on Mental Health

1 in every 8

people in the world live with a mental disorder.

Source: WHO


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Dependent Personality Disorder vs Borderline Personality Disorder


Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are distinct mental health conditions, each with its defining characteristics. Here are the key differences between the two:

CharacteristicDependent Personality Disorder (DPD)Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
Main FeatureThe primary feature of DPD is an excessive need for support, guidance, and validation from others. Individuals with DPD feel helpless and unable to make decisions or take care of themselves independently.BPD is characterized by instability in relationships, self-image, emotions, and impulsive behavior. Individuals with BPD often experience intense mood swings and difficulties in maintaining stable relationships.
DependencyPeople with DPD tend to rely heavily on others to fulfill their emotional and physical needs. They often fear abandonment and may go to great lengths to maintain relationships.Not a primary feature, but individuals with BPD may also fear abandonment and have intense reactions to it.
SubmissivenessDPD is marked by submissive and passive behavior, with individuals frequently deferring to others’ opinions and desires.Not a primary feature, but individuals with BPD may exhibit submissive or aggressive behaviors in relationships.
Difficulty with IndependenceMaking decisions, even minor ones, can be extremely challenging for individuals with DPD, leading to reliance on others for decision-making.Individuals with BPD may struggle with impulsive and potentially self-destructive behaviors.
Low Self-EsteemThose with DPD often have low self-esteem and doubt their own abilities.Individuals with BPD may have an unclear sense of self and may struggle with identity issues.
Avoidance of ResponsibilityIndividuals with DPD actively avoid situations requiring independence and self-reliance.Not a primary feature, but impulsivity can lead to avoidance of responsibility.

While DPD and BPD have distinct features, individuals can experience comorbidity, meaning they may simultaneously have traits of both disorders or meet the criteria for both diagnoses. Accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment plans are essential for addressing each person’s unique challenges and needs.

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A mental health professional must conduct a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose Dependent Personality Disorder.
A mental health professional must conduct a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose Dependent Personality Disorder.

Diagnosis of Dependence Personality Disorder

Diagnosing Dependent Personality Disorder involves a thorough evaluation by a mental healthcare provider. If you suspect you or a loved one may have this condition, it’s essential to schedule an appointment with a mental healthcare provider or seek a referral from your primary care doctor.

The diagnostic process:

  • Medical History: Your healthcare provider will inquire about your medical history, including medications, current and past health conditions, and any family health history within your knowledge.
  • Personality Tests: Validated personality tests play a valuable role in identifying personality disorders.
  • Clinical Interview: A comprehensive clinical interview will assess the duration and severity of your symptoms, delving into your thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Understanding the motivation behind behaviors is crucial, as different personality disorders, such as Dependent Personality Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder, may all manifest with a need for praise and validation but for distinct reasons.
  • Additional Tests: Your healthcare provider may perform physical examinations or other psychological tests to rule out other potential health conditions contributing to your symptoms.
  • Evaluation: Based on these assessments, your healthcare provider will determine whether your symptoms align with the criteria outlined for Dependent Personality Disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), an essential reference for healthcare professionals.

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Dependent Personality Disorder Treatments

Dependent Personality Disorder is a mental health condition that can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and relationships. Fortunately, treatment options are available to help individuals manage and improve their symptoms. Here are some critical components of treatment for DPD:

  • Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy): Psychotherapy is the most effective treatment of DPD. Therapies that have shown effectiveness include:
    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with dependency. It focuses on building self-esteem, independence, and healthy coping strategies.
    • Habit Reversal Training (HRT): HRT aims to replace compulsive dependent behaviors with healthier alternatives. It involves recognizing triggers and learning new responses.
    • Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): IPT helps individuals improve interpersonal skills and relationships, addressing issues related to dependency on others.
  • Medication: While medication is not a primary treatment for DPD, it may be prescribed to manage co-occurring conditions such as anxiety or depression, which often accompany DPD.
  • Supportive Therapy: Group therapy or support groups can allow individuals with DPD to connect with others with similar experiences. Sharing and learning from one another can be valuable.
  • Self-Esteem Building: Building self-esteem and self-confidence is essential to DPD treatment. Therapy often focuses on helping individuals recognize their worth and abilities.
Dependent Personality Disorder is a mental illness that can severely affect a person's everyday functioning and interpersonal interactions. Fortunately, there are treatments available to assist people to deal with and perhaps get rid of their symptoms.
Dependent Personality Disorder is a mental illness that can severely affect a person’s everyday functioning and interpersonal interactions. Fortunately, there are treatments available to assist people to deal with and perhaps get rid of their symptoms.
  • Setting Boundaries: Learning to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in relationships is crucial for individuals with DPD. Therapy can guide in this area.
  • Problem-Solving Skills: Treatment may include developing problem-solving skills to increase independence in daily life and decision-making.
  • Awareness of Triggers: Identifying triggers that lead to dependent behaviors is a fundamental step in treatment. Understanding what prompts these behaviors is crucial in managing and reducing them.
  • Long-Term Management: Treatment for DPD is typically ongoing and may involve regular therapy sessions to monitor progress and address any relapses or setbacks.
  • Addressing Co-Occurring Conditions: If substance use, depression, or anxiety coexist with DPD, it’s crucial to address these conditions simultaneously as part of the treatment plan.

If you’re seeking professional help with DPD, consider the specialized DPD medication treatment programs available at We Level Up Treatment Center, where our experienced team is dedicated to supporting your journey of improved mental well-being.

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  1. What causes dependent personality disorder?

    The exact cause of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is unknown. Still, it is believed to result from genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, including early life experiences and attachment patterns.

  2. How to overcome dependent personality disorder?

    Overcoming DPD typically involves psychotherapy, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT), to develop independence and healthy coping mechanisms. Building self-esteem, setting boundaries, and recognizing triggers are essential steps.

  3. How to treat dependent personality disorder?

    Treatment for DPD primarily includes psychotherapy, particularly CBT, HRT, and interpersonal therapy. Medication may be prescribed for co-occurring conditions. Long-term management and support are often necessary.

  4. What is avoidant dependent personality disorder?

    “Avoidant Dependent Personality Disorder” is not a recognized diagnosis. However, “Avoidant Personality Disorder” is a separate condition characterized by social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to criticism. It is distinct from DPD.

How to Improve Mental Health? 8 Steps & Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Wellbeing

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8 Steps for Mental Wellbeing & How To Improve Mental Health In The Workplace

  1. Staying Positive.
  2. Practicing Gratitude.
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Search We Level Up What is Dependent Personality Disorder? Signs and Symptoms & Recovery Resources
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