Dependent personality disorder

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a type of personality disorder within the psychiatric classification. This disorder is characterized by the presence of long-term and persistent pathological patterns of behavior, attitudes, feelings, and interpersonal relationships that differ significantly from the norm and can lead to distress (mental distress) and limit a person's functioning.

The main features of addictive personality disorder are:

1. Strong need for care and support: People with addictive personality disorder usually have an excessive need for someone else (usually another person) to care for them and make decisions for them.
2. Fear of being left alone: They often have an overwhelming fear of being left alone, without someone to support and care for them. This fear can be so strong that they may tolerate unwanted or even harmful behavior from others just to avoid being alone.
3. Subordination and acquiescence: People with DPD usually tend to submit to the wishes and demands of others, even if this may result in harm to their own interests and desires.
4. Low self-confidence and self-esteem: They may have low self-esteem and doubt their ability to make their own decisions.
5. Conflict Avoidance: People with DPD tend to avoid conflict and try to please others to avoid rejection or loss of support.

Dependent personality disorder can have a significant impact on a person's life and interpersonal relationships. Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the person develop healthier decision-making strategies and increase self-confidence. Sometimes medications may be prescribed to treat related symptoms such as depression or anxiety. The goal of treatment is to improve functioning and quality of life for the person with DPD.

Causes of the addictive personality disorder

The reasons for the development of dependent personality disorder can be multifactorial and include both genetic and environmental influences. Below are some of the possible factors that may contribute to the development of DPD:

1. Genetic predisposition: Heredity may play a role in the onset of DPD. If a person has close relatives with similar personality disorders, they may have an increased risk.
2. Parenting and Family Dynamics: Family relationships in early childhood can influence the development of DPD. Children who grow up in families where their needs are undervalued or where they are overly controlled and dominated may develop dependent personality traits.
3. Trauma and Stressors: Traumatic events or prolonged periods of stress can contribute to the development of DPD. Emotional or physical trauma, loss of loved ones, or other negative events can reinforce addictive behaviors.
4. Societaland cultural influences: Cultural and societal norms can also influence the development of DPD. In some societies it is considered the norm that people will be more submissive and dependent in relationships.
5. Low self-esteem and low self-confidence: Some people may have low self-esteem and feelings of unworthiness, which contributes to the development of addictive personality traits.
6. Other mental disorders: Having other mental disorders, such as depression or anxiety disorders, may increase the risk of developing DPD.

Symptoms of the addictive personality disorder

People with this disorder often exhibit a number of characteristic symptoms and traits, including:

1. Constant need for care and support: People with DPD often have an intense need for care, support and care from others. They worry that they will not be able to cope with everyday tasks without help.
2. Strong fear of rejection and feelings of helplessness: They often fear being rejected or left alone and feel helpless without the support of others.
3. Subordination and Agreeableness withOthers: People with DPD can be overly submissive to the desires and opinions of others, often even when it goes against their own beliefs and desires.
4. Lack of initiative and determination: They may be incapable or unsure of making decisions, preferring to rely on the advice and guidance of others.
5. Fear of conflict: People with DPD usually avoid conflict and do not dare to voice their dissatisfaction or independent opinion.
6. Feelings of helplessness and uselessness: They may see themselves as useless and dependent on others.

Certain criteria must be met to diagnose DPD, according to the DSM-5, including the presence of these symptoms and their impact on daily life and interpersonal relationships. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment of a personality disorder, a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist should be consulted for a more detailed examination and evaluation.

Diagnostics of the addictive personality disorder

To determine the presence of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) and assess its severity, it is best to see a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist who will conduct a more detailed clinical interview and may use specific psychological tests and questionnaires.

However, for an indicative self-assessment you can try answering the following questions. Please remember that the results of this test cannot serve as a definitive diagnosis and should be considered as preliminary information only:

1. Do I tend to rely on others to make decisions in my daily life?

   • Yes
   • No

2. Do I often feel like I can't make important decisions on my own?

   • Yes
   • No

3. Do I often feel intense anxiety and worry if I am left alone/alone?

   • Yes
   • No

4. Do I often seek support, approval, and advice from others?

   • Yes
   • No

5. I often find it difficult to express my own opinions and wishes for fear that it may displease others?

   • Yes
   • No

6. Do I generally submit to the wishes of others, even if it goes against my own interests or desires?

   • Yes
   • No

7. Do I often fear rejection or rejection from others?

   • Yes
   • No

8. Do I have a hard time saying no to anything I'm offered, even if I don't want it?

   • Yes
   • No

If you answered "Yes" to most of the questions and find that these behavioral traits are more common to you than to most people, this may indicate that you may have an addictive personality disorder. However, only a professional assessment by a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment or support.

Treatment of the addictive personality disorder

Treatment for DPD includes psychotherapy and, sometimes, appropriate medication. Here are some treatments for DPD:

1. Psychotherapy:
   • Psychodynamic Therapy: This form of therapy can help patients understand the roots and subconscious motivations behind addictive behaviors. Patients can discover what past events and relationships may have contributed to the development of their DPD.
   • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CPT can help patients change negative beliefs about themselves and their ability to cope with life situations. It can also teach patients problem-solving skills and strengthen self-esteem.
   • Group therapy: Participating in group sessions can help patients develop interpersonal skills and see that they are not alone in their struggles.
2. Medications: In some cases, DPD may use medications such as antidepressants or anxiolytics to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression associated with the disorder.
3. Self-help and support: Patients can work on self-help, learn to recognize and change addictive patterns of behavior, and develop self-esteem and assertiveness skills. Support from family and loved ones can also be an important component of treatment.

A list of some of the books and studies related to the study of addictive personality disorder

1. Theodore Millon:

   • "Disorders of Personality: DSM-IV and Beyond" (1996).
   • "Personality Disorders in Modern Life" (2004).

2. Aaron Beck:

   • "Cognitive Therapy of Personality Disorders" (1990).

3. Otto F. Kernberg:

   • "Borderline Conditions and Pathological Narcissism" (1975).
   • "Severe Personality Disorders: Psychotherapeutic Strategies" (1984).

4. John M. Oldham and Andrew E. Skodol:

   • "The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Personality Disorders" (2005).

5. Millon, T., Blaney, P. H., & Davis, R. D. (Eds.):

   • "Oxford Textbook of Psychopathology" (2014).

6. Randy J. Larsen and David M. Buss:

   • "Personality Psychology: Domains of Knowledge About Human Nature" (2016).

7. Nancy McWilliams:

   • "Psychoanalytic Diagnosis, Second Edition: Understanding Personality Structure in the Clinical Process" (2011).

8. Benjamin Sadock, Virginia A. Sadock, and Pedro Ruiz:

   • "Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral Sciences/Clinical Psychiatry" (2014).

Literature

Alexandrovsky, Y. A. Psychiatry : national guide / ed. By Y. A. Alexandrovsky, N. G. Neznanov. Y. A. Alexandrovsky, N. G. Neznanov. - 2nd ed. Moscow : GEOTAR-Media, 2018.