INFORMATION ON DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDER

Dependent personality disorder may be defined as a personality disorder that is characterized by a psychological dependence on other people.

Person with dependent personality disorder faces problems in making everyday decisions. Without an excessive amount of advice and assurance from others they cannot try anything. These individuals allow other people to take the initiative and assume responsibility for most major areas of their lives. Adults with this disorder typically depend on a parent or spouse to decide where they should live, what kind of job they should have and which neighbors to befriend.

CAUSES OF DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDER

So far the exact cause of the dependent personality disorder is unknown.

SYMPTOMS O DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDER

The various symptoms shown by dependent personality disorder are:-

1. Inability to make decisions
2. Passivity in practical life.
3. Avoiding personal responsibility
4. Avoiding being alone
5. Devastation or helplessness when relationships end
6. Preoccupied with fears.
7. Easily hurt by criticism or disapproval.

TREATMENT OF DEPENDENT PERSONALITY DISORDER

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Psychotherapy in company with proper medication can play important role in helping people to make choices that affect their own lives.


Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is mostly preferred form of treatment for people with dependent personality disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy concentrate on resolving symptoms that are characteristic of the disorder, such as the inability to make important decisions of life or the inability to initiate relationships.


Medications

Medication may be helpful to treat any other underlying conditions. Certain types of medicines such as antidepressants, sedatives and tranquilizers are often prescribed for patients with dependent personality disorder to treat co-occurring conditions.