Dependent Personality Disorder: Difficulties in Relationships

Apart from the pain and anxiety that a sufferer of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) suffers on a daily basis, there are also considerable interpersonal problems that accompany this disorder. For family and friends, there is a constant need for reassurance and approval required that can lead to frustration and even rejection of the sufferer. Rejection by others is greatly feared by sufferers; ironically it is their need for support and constant reassurance that either causes arguments or actually drives people away. Both are fearful results for the sufferer. The constant changing of the mind and continual requests for advice are … Continue reading →

Dependent Personality Disorder: Diagnostic Criteria

As described in earlier articles on this condition, individuals displaying signs of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)often agree with others to their face due to a profound fear of estrangement and abandonment. Fear of rejection rules their lives and anxiety and panic attacks are common features due to the constant stress of trying to please and appease everyone in their life. Behaviors such as wanting to be liked by others and being wary of stating one’s own opinion for fear of social rejection are common among general society when looked at in isolation. However, to be given a clinical diagnosis of … Continue reading →

What is Dependent Personality Disorder? (2)

Not being able to make up your own mind and needing others to help you to make even the most basic of decisions is one characteristic of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD). Another is being unable to state your wants, needs and opinions because of an unrealistic fear of rejection. In our last article (see link below) we looked at the stories of Lori and Jennifer, who displayed several of the characteristic traits of this disorder. Lori found it hard to trust herself and constantly drew others into decision-making for her, even to the point of allowing other to choose her … Continue reading →

What is Dependent Personality Disorder? (1)

We are all dependent on each other to a certain extent to survive. We need contact with other like souls for our mental health, and when we are ill we often need a helping hand to get us back on our feet. But what about a person who is constantly reliant on opinions, advice and help from others simply to get through the day? Lori suffers from anxiety and occasional panic attacks, but the root cause of these problems is her excessive need for approval, and her submissive and clinging behavior. The latter is driven by her fear of separation … Continue reading →