Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an excessive need to be treated by others, leading to those who suffer from it to be submissive and exaggerate the fear of separation.
This disorder usually occurs in early adulthood, which can lead to anxiety and depression and treatment consists of psychotherapy sessions and, in some cases, medication, which should be prescribed by the psychiatrist.
- Symptoms that occur in people with dependent personality disorder are difficulties in making simple decisions.
- Which occur daily without the need for advice from others.
- Needing others to take responsibility for different areas of their lives.
- Difficulty disagreeing with others out of fear.
- Of losing support or approval.
- And difficulty starting new projects on their own.
- Due to lack of self-confidence.
In addition, these people feel needy and go to extremes, such as doing unpleasant things, receiving affection and support, feeling uncomfortable and helpless when they are alone, because they feel unable to take care of themselves, have excessive anxiety with the fear of abandonment and when they go through the end of a relationship, they urgently seek another to receive affection and support.
It is unclear what causes dependent personality disorder, but it is thought that this disorder may be related to biological factors and the environment in which the person is inserted, from childhood and the relationship with the parents at this stage.because it is extremely protective or highly authoritarian, it can have a great influence on the development of the individual.
Learn more about other personality disorders that may be affected by childhood.
Treatment is usually done when the disorder begins to have an impact on a person’s life, which can affect relationships with others and cause anxiety and depression.
Psychotherapy is the first-line treatment of dependent personality disorder and, during treatment, the person must play an active role and be accompanied by a psychologist or psychiatrist, which will help him become more active and independent and make the most of sentimental relationships.
In some cases pharmacological treatment may be necessary, in these cases the diagnosis of the disorder should be made by a psychiatrist, who will be the professional in charge of prescribing the medicines necessary for treatment.