The dependency personality disorder -Also called dependent personality- it is characterized by a long-term need to be cared for and a fear of being abandoned or separated from important people.
This pattern is seen in one or more of these areas: cognition, affect, and interpersonal relationships. Is uncompromising and consistent through a wide variety of personal and social situations.
This desire to maintain supportive personal relationships can lead to submission, indecision, shyness, or passivity. In addition, people with this disorder have feelings of inadequacy and are very sensitive to criticism..
They are often pessimistic and have low self-esteem, tend to underestimate their abilities and resources, and do not feel good about themselves. They can avoid positions of responsibility and become anxious when faced with decisions.
As for the personal relationships of these people, they are usually limited to the people on whom they are dependent.
Article index
Dependent personality disorder includes most of the following symptoms:
-Difficulty making decisions without advice and support from others
-Needing others to take responsibility in most areas of life
-Difficulty expressing disagreement with other people for fear of loss of approval
-Difficulty starting projects or doing things on your own
-Going too far to gain the support of others, to the point of doing things that are unpleasant
-Feeling uncomfortable in solitude due to an exaggerated fear of being unable to take care of yourself
-Hypersensitivity to criticism
-Pessimism and lack of self-esteem
-Belief that they cannot take care of themselves
-Putting the needs of others above your own.
Dependent personality disorder occurs in approximately 0.6% of the population and is more common in women.
A 2004 study suggests that it has a herability of .81. Because of this, there is enough evidence to state that it often occurs within the same family.
Children and adolescents with a history of anxiety disorders and physical illnesses are more susceptible to acquiring this disorder.
A 2012 study found that 2/3 of this disorder is derived from genetics while the remainder is due to the environment.
Although the exact causes are not known, the best explanation is probably that of a biopsychosocial model: it is caused by biological, genetic, social and psychological factors.
On the other hand, some researchers believe that authoritarian and overprotective educational styles can guide the development of this personality disorder..
Because personality disorders describe long-term, long-lasting behavioral trends, they are most often diagnosed in adulthood..
It is advised that it be diagnosed by a mental health professional -psychologist or psychiatrist-. Most people with this disorder do not seek support or treatment until it begins to have a serious impact on their lives..
A general and excessive need to be cared for, causing submission and adhesion behavior and fear of separation, which begins early in adulthood and occurs in various contexts, as indicated by one or more of the following items:
According to the ICD-10, dependent personality disorder is characterized by at least 3 of the following:
Psychologist Theodore Millon Identified 5 Subtypes of Dependent Personality Disorder.
-Restless - with avoidance characteristics: Feel fear and apprehension; vulnerability to abandonment; lonely except for close supporting figures.
-Selfless - with masochistic characteristics: merging with the other person, renouncing one's own identity.
-Immature - pure pattern variant: inexperienced, gullible, unable to take responsibility, childish.
-Complacent - with histrionic characteristics: docile, accommodating, pleasant, submissive role, anxious.
-Ineffective - with schizoid features: unproductive, seeks life without problems, incompetence, refusal to deal with difficulties.
Early adulthood is when most cases are diagnosed, although the best way to treat it is to seek help as soon as possible..
Getting help early can prevent the development of complications from this disorder (see below).
If you observe any symptoms and are not sure, it is advisable to go to a professional.
People with this disorder do not usually seek help to solve the problem itself, but to solve other problems, usually depression, anxiety or relationship.
Psychotherapy is the main treatment and its goal is to help the person learn to be independent and to have healthy personal relationships. Likewise, the way of thinking and various behaviors that help to maintain the disorder will be changed.
Specific learnings can include assertiveness, training the person to communicate, recognizing their rights.
It can be used if the person also suffers from anxiety or depression.
However, it must be watched closely because the person can become addicted to the drugs..
May be effective with people who tend to isolate themselves and have difficulty making decisions.
The group can be more effective in dealing with insecurities by encouraging people to talk about their problems in similar situations..
Family therapy encourages family members to empathize with each other and build strengths that positively affect their lives.
Couples therapy can reduce anxiety in the dependent member and will have as its main goal to build a healthy couple relationship.
Personality development is a complex process that begins at an early age.
With proper treatment, the personality can be modified if it starts early, when the person is motivated to change.
Dependent people are at risk of developing:
The film Single White Woman Seeks… shows a woman with Dependent Personality Disorder traits.
Yet No Comments