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Dependent personality Disorder - Dependent personality Disorder Symptom, Cause, Treatment
The essential feature of the dependent personality disorder is a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that results in submissive and clinging behavior Paranoid personality disorder is characterized by a distrust of others and a constant suspicion that people around you have sinister motives. They search for hidden meanings in everything and read hostile intentions into the actions of others. They are quick to challenge the loyalties of friends and loved ones and often appear cold and distant to others. They usually shift blame to others and tend to carry long grudges. Dependent personality disorder (DPD), formerly known as asthenic personality disorder , is a personality disorder that is characterized by a pervasive psychological dependence on other people. The difference between a 'dependent personality' and a 'dependent personality disorder' is somewhat subjective, which makes a diagnosis sensitive to cultural influences such as gender role expectations.
Symptoms of Dependent personality Disorder
This pervasive fear leads to "clinging behavior" and usually manifests itself by early adulthood. It includes a majority of the following symptoms:
- Has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others
- Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life
- Has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval.
- Has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy)
- Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant
- Feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself
- Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends
- Is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself
Causes of Dependent personality Disorder
The cause of this disorder is unknown. It usually begins in early adulthood Because of their high need for approval, people who are afflicted with DPD try hard to please others. This disorder is common but not well studied; however, more women than men have been found to have dependent personality disorder.
- Dependents often feel helpless and depressed.
- People with schizoid personality disorder avoid relationships and do not show much emotion.
- A common misconception is that antisocial personality disorder refers to people who have poor social skills.
- Borderline personality disorder is characterized by mood instability and poor self-image.
- People with histrionic personality disorder are constant attention seekers.
- Avoidant personality disorder is characterized by extreme social anxiety.
- Obsessive-Compulsive personality disorder is similar to obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorder
Treatment of Dependent personality Disorder
Antidepressant medications can often reduce sensitivity to rejection. Several approaches and modalities have been suggested for effective AvPD treatment.
- There has been significant improvement for individuals with AvPD with behavioral treatment interventions such as graduated exposure, social skills training, and systematic desensitization
- Cognitive therapy approach effectively addresses AvPD cognitive distortions regarding their sense of competency and self-worth. As with behavior therapy, the cognitive approach assists individuals with AvPD to identify their negative self-thoughts and the origin of these thoughts.
- Interpersonal therapy helps to build the ego strength needed to recognize situations that set off regressive patterns.
- Treatment needs to address the variation and needs of the different individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria.
- While individuals with AvPD can benefit from cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, or psychodynamic therapy, the confidence gained through supported social exposure is vital for significant change.
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