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Dependent personality disorder

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Contents of this page:

Alternative names   

Personality disorder - dependent

Definition    Return to top

Dependent personality disorder is a chronic condition involving over-reliance on others to meet emotional and physical needs.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors    Return to top

The cause of this disorder is unknown. It usually begins in early adulthood.

Symptoms    Return to top

People with this disorder do not trust their own ability to make decisions. They may be devastated by separation and loss and may go to great lengths, even suffering abuse, to stay in a relationship.

Signs and tests    Return to top

Some of the common signs of dependent personality disorder include:

Treatment    Return to top

There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Psychotherapy may be useful in gradually helping people to make more independent choices in life. Medication may also be helpful to treat any other underlying conditions.

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Improvements are usually seen only with long-term therapy.

Complications    Return to top

Calling your health care provider    Return to top

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or a mental health professional if you or your adolescent has symptoms suggestive of dependent personality disorder.

Update Date: 1/25/2003

Updated by: David Taylor, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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