What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• DPD (Dependent Personality Disorder)

What is Dependent Personality Disorder? (Definition/Background Information)

• Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a mental condition where individuals overly or excessively depend on others to meet their emotional and physical needs. These individuals have a strong fear of being ignored or abandoned. Additionally, such individuals have a tendency to gain the acceptance of others; they make great efforts to please others
• The condition usually starts to present itself during childhood, but may appear later in life too. A biological or psychological predisposition can increase one’s risk for the disorder
• Currently, the cause of Dependent Personality Disorder is unknown. This makes it very difficult to research scientists from identifying suitable preventative measures
• Avoiding being alone, inability to make decisions, and fear of abandonment are commonly noted with Dependent Personality Disorder
• A healthcare professional will look for such signs and symptoms during a psychological and physical evaluation. These tests along with an analysis of one’s past medical and family history will aid in the diagnosis of DPD
• The treatment options for Dependent Personality Disorder include medication and psychotherapy. Nevertheless, despite treatment, the signs and symptoms may last throughout a lifetime in some individuals
• With appropriate and effective treatment the prognosis of Dependent Personality Disorder is good. Complications, such as phobias and substance abuse, in addition to a lack of adequate treatment can lead to a poorer prognosis

Who gets Dependent Personality Disorder? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Dependent Personality Disorder is likely to develop during childhood, though it may occur later in life too (such as adulthood)
• The disorder can affect both men and women of different races and ethnicities; no specific preference is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Dependent Personality Disorder? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Dependent Personality Disorder have not been specifically identified
• Some individuals may have a biological or psychological predisposition that may place them at an increased risk for DPD

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Dependent Personality Disorder? (Etiology)

• Presently, the exact cause of Dependent Personality Disorder is not known
• It is believed that a combination of biological, developmental, and psychological factors may play a role in its development

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder?

The signs and symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder may include the following:

• Avoidance of being alone; always seeking the company of others
• Difficulty in making decisions by oneself (even on simple or trivial matters), or an inability to make any decision
• Irrational and sometimes extreme fear of abandonment or of being ignored or isolated
• Easily hurt by criticism
• Completely avoiding disagreements with others (friends/family/others)

How is Dependent Personality Disorder Diagnosed?

Dependent Personality Disorder may be diagnosed through the following tests and evaluations:

• Thorough analysis of previous medical history (including family history) and a complete physical exam
• Psychological evaluation
• Dependent Personality Disorder must be differentiated/distinguished from borderline personality disorder, because they share a similar set of symptoms

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Dependent Personality Disorder?

The complications of Dependent Personality Disorder may include:

• Increased risk for depression
• Potential anxiety disorders
• Phobias or irrational fears
• Substance abuse
• Physical, psychological, or emotional abuse by a partner

How is Dependent Personality Disorder Treated?

Dependent Personality Disorder can be treated by the following methods:

• Psychotherapy: It is the main method of therapy with the goal of helping the affected individual become more independent
• Medications can be used to help treat anxiety or depression that may result as a consequence of this disorder

How can Dependent Personality Disorder be Prevented?

No preventative measures for Dependent Personality Disorder have been currently identified.

What is the Prognosis of Dependent Personality Disorder? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Dependent Personality Disorder can be a lifelong disorder, but with suitable treatment and therapy, individuals can get better
• The prognosis for individuals with DPD also depends on the duration of effective therapy; or, for how long has the individual taken therapy. Individuals who seek long-term therapy are generally known to have a better prognosis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Dependent Personality Disorder:

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD) describes the personality of an individual who stands on the border of mild mental, emotional, and psychotic disorder (disconnection from reality)

The following article link will help you understand borderline personality disorder:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/borderline-personality-disorder/