Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment

What Is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)?

DPD is an inability to be alone and over-reliance on others for comfort and support. The symptoms of DPD are different from feeling insecure, which is common. With DPD, there is a fundamental need for reassurance to function.

Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder

Signs of dependent personality disorder include:

• Behaving in a submissive manner.
• Relying on friends and family to make decisions on your behalf.
• Needing constant reassurance.
• Feeling isolated and nervous when alone.
• Fearing rejection.
• Being overly sensitive to criticism.
• Fearing abandonment.

Causes of Dependent Personality Disorder

The exact cause of DPD is unknown. However, researchers believe several factors play a part in its development.

Genetic Factors

If you have a biological family member who has a personality or anxiety disorder, you are more likely to receive a dependent personality disorder diagnosis.

Childhood Trauma

If you experienced a life-threatening illness during childhood, physical abuse, verbal abuse, or neglect, you have a higher risk of developing DPD later in life.

Experiencing Abuse

If you have a history of abusive relationships, you have a higher risk of developing DPD.

Cultural and Societal Factors

If you participate in cultural or religious practices that emphasize reliance on authority, you have an increased risk of developing DPD.

Diagnosis of Dependent Personality Disorder

Diagnostic Criteria for Dependent Personality Disorder

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), the criteria for DPD disorder involve a persistent pattern of five or more of the following behaviors:

• Resistance to and difficulty with making daily decisions (without excessive advice and reassurance from others).
• Needing others to be responsible for the most important aspects of their life.
• Difficulty disagreeing with others due to fear of rejection.
• Issues starting projects on their own due to a lack of confidence in their judgment and abilities.
• Going to great lengths to get support from others.
• Feeling uncomfortable or helpless when alone.
• Urgently needing to form a new relationship with someone who will provide care and support when a close relationship ends.
• Unrealistic worry of being left alone to take care of themselves.

Dependent Personality Disorder Assessment and Tools

At Beach House Center for Recovery, our licensed clinicians and psychiatric providers use a range of assessments and tests to diagnose dependent personality disorder. These may include:

• Structured clinical interviews
  In-depth interviews to help gather information about your symptoms, behaviors, and family history.
• Personality Diagnostic Questionnaire-IV
  A screening tool used to help identify a number of personality disorders.
• Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-II
  A comprehensive assessment that evaluates and measures your personality structure to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.

Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment Options

Psychotherapy for DPD

The main treatment for dependent personality disorder is psychotherapy. Individualized therapy sessions provide a safe, structured place to help you identify and challenge any negative thought patterns, build independence, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. During these sessions, a licensed therapist may guide you in certain techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you learn skills like assertiveness and independence.

Medication for DPD

There are no specific medications for treating personality disorders. However, antidepressants, antianxiety, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizing medications can be prescribed to help manage your symptoms. Your Beach House Center for Recovery clinician will prescribe medicines based on your unique needs, symptoms, and severity.

Group Therapy

Supportive group therapy sessions, guided by a dependent personality disorder specialist, can be especially beneficial for those with DPD. It provides a safe, supportive environment to practice social skills, gain confidence in your abilities, and learn from others facing similar challenges.

Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Help Techniques

Lifestyle modifications

• Exercise regularly to reduce stress and improve your mood.
• Maintain a healthy diet of lean meats, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables to improve your overall health.
• Get 7-9 hours of restorative sleep each night to improve your mental wellness.
• Practice mindfulness like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and anxiety.

Self-help techniques

• Practice making decisions on your own.
• Challenge negative thought patterns.
• Repeat positive affirmations about yourself to boost self-confidence.
• Participate in hobbies or activities you enjoy to build independence.
• Be patient with yourself and celebrate small wins.

Start Your Recovery Journey at Beach House Center for Recovery

Our licensed clinicians provide compassionate, mental health and dependent personality disorder treatment to ensure you get the exact care you need in a safe, supportive environment.

Our skilled team is ready to help you manage your personality disorder symptoms and support any co-occurring conditions. Contact our caring admissions counselors for more information and to start your recovery journey.