by Aasia Mujtaba

Created on: October 21, 2009   Last Updated: October 23, 2009

Dependent personality disorder.

People with dependent personality disorder have a constant need to be taken care of. They want that others make decisions for them even for the very small decisions. They have submissive and clinging behavior. They need constant reassurance to carry on any kind of task. These people have very low self esteem and lack confidence.

These people have a passive attitude towards life. They want that other people take initiative for them. They want to work in the environment when someone will be there to give them detailed instructions or to supervise them. They will even agree with things that they feel are wrong because they don't want to take the risk of losing the help of those they look to for guidance.

People with dependent personality disorder fear the rejection of others. So, in family and social settings they hesitate in expressing their views and disagreements. Usually they do not actively participate in conversation. Their responses limit to accepting and affirming to other's views.

These people feel uncomfortable when alone because of their fears of loneliness. They will accompany their family members even when they are not interested in what is happening.

Diagnosis of dependent personality disorder.

According to DSM-IV people with dependent personality disorder have a pervasive need to be taken care of. These behaviors have the beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts.

1- These people have difficulty in making everyday decisions.

2- Has difficulty expressing disagreements with others.

3- Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life.

4- Has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own.

5- Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others.

6- Feeling uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for him.

7- Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and supports when a close relationship ends.

8- Is preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of him or her.

If someone has five or more above mentioned symptoms that means he or she is suffering from this disorder.

Treatment of dependent personality disorder. Dependent people are often brought to therapy by their parents, spouse or any other near and dear one. Patient himself is not usually motivated to develop resources within himself.

In my clinical practice I once worked with a person with dependent personality

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