Dependent Personality Disorder is a condition characterized by an over-reliance on others that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation. The dependent and submissive behaviors arise from feeling unable to cope without the help of others.. It most likely involves both biological and developmental factors. It is one of the most common personality disorders, and is equally divided between men and women. People with this disorder do not trust their own ability to make decisions and feel that others have better ideas. They may be devastated by separation and loss, and they may go to great lengths, even suffering abuse, to stay in a relationship.

Clinical interest in dependent personality disorder has existed since Abraham Maslow first described the oral character. As a disorder, the personality type first appeared in a War Department technical bulletin in 1945 and later in the first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual in 1952 (American Psychiatric Association, 1952) as a subtype of passive-aggressive personality disorder. Since then, a surprising number of studies have upheld the descriptive validity of dependent personality traits, viewed as submissiveness, oral character traits, oral dependence, or passive dependence, or as a constellation of both pathological and adaptive traits under the rubric dependency.

Causes of Dependent Personality Disorder

Although the exact cause of dependent personality disorder is not known, it most likely involves both biological and developmental factors. Some researchers believe an authoritarian or overprotective parenting style can lead to the development of dependent personality traits in people who are susceptible to the disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder

People with personality disorders commonly experience conflict and instability in many aspects of their lives, and most believe others are responsible for their problems. It typically manifests itself by early adulthood and includes a majority of the following symptoms:

* avoids occupational activities that involve significant interpersonal contact, because of fears of criticism, disapproval, or rejection * is unwilling to get involved with people unless certain of being liked * shows restraint within intimate relationships because of the fear of being shamed or ridiculed Treatment of Dependent Personality Disorder

Common Treatment of Dependent Personality Disorder

The DSM-IV-TR , a widely used manual for diagnosing mental disorders , defines dependent personality disorder as a "pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive.

A mnemonic that can be used to remember the criteria for dependent personality disorder is DEPENDENT.

Group psychotherapy can be successful for the treatment of dependent personality disorder. Montgomery used group therapy for dependent patients who used medications for chronic complaints such as insomnia and nervousness.

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

Can dependent personality disorder be prevented?

Although prevention of the disorder might not be possible, treatment can sometimes allow a person who is prone to this disorder learn more productive ways of dealing with situations.