by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: September 16, 2009   Last Updated: October 27, 2009

Personality disorders are not uncommon in today's society. They have a wide range of severeness. They can be accentuated and more profound during times of emotional upheaval and distress. Some learn to live with personality disorders and function quite well in society. Others may need to step in and out of the main stream at different times to regain control.

Dependent personality disorder is one of the most common types of personality disorders. Maybe people can function with this disorder as long as they have others who are willing to help them with all their decisions. They simply can not make them on their own.

Symptoms:
~ can not make minor life decisions without questioning others about their choices

~ seeks advice and opinions of others because they lack self confidence in their own
decision making skills

~ feels uncomfortable alone, may make obsessive phone calls just to discuss things with someone

~ unreasonable fears of being left alone to take care of self

~ has issues in confronting and discussing differences of opinions because of the fear of losing a friend or supportive relationship

~ spends a great deal of time worrying about "what if scenarios"

~ typically does not initiate projects, but waits to be told what to do by others

~ does not take personal responsibility because others always help to make the decisions

~ extremely compliant to ensure that the one helping approves of what is happening

~ overly sensitive of criticism, this may turn into self hatred

~ unwilling to stand up for self and make reasonable demands

People who suffer from dependent personality disorder are more likely to be involved with drug abuse, depression, alcohol abuse, tolerate physical, mental and sexual abuse from others.

As with most personality disorders, diagnosis is not easy. Many perfectly healthy people display some of the same symptoms. It is the overwhelming combination that eventually brings the patient to diagnosis. Since there is no blood test or conclusive test to see if one has the disorder the patient must be willing to explain and understand all the behaviors. Usually a family member or friend brings the patient to some kind of doctor in hopes of solving the issues.

The treatment for dependent personality disorder is usually behavior modification therapy. The feelings and issues are still there, but they work on different behavior when the problems occur.

Sometimes psychotherapy is used to help the patient have a different self image and therefore is able to make more independent choices. In this case the patient may eventually learn responsibility for personal actions as well. Although there is no direct medication for this disorder, they may be on medication for depression or other side effects. Help is available and symptoms should not be ignored.

Sources:
www.depression-guide.com
www.mentalhelp.net

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