Dependent Personality Disorder is a personality disorder characterized by clingy and submissive behavior. Individuals are passive and allow others to direct their lives because they are unable to do so themselves. Other people such as spouses or parents make all the major life decisions, including where to live and what type of employment to obtain. These patients fear separation and tend to be indecisive and unable to take the initiative. They are often preoccupied with the thought of being left to fend for themselves, and want others to assume responsibility for all major decision making. They have difficulty expressing disagreement because they fear abandonment.
A pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by 5
(or more) of the following:
Psychotherapy focuses on helping the individual gain independence. Cognitive behavioural therapy can be used to help challenge negative thoughts and to encourage independent behaviors.
Guideline | Location | Year | Website | |
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World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) | International | 2009 | - | Link |