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Dependent personality disorder - Symptom

Alternative Names

Personality disorder - dependent

Symptoms:

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

Signs and tests:

A person with dependent personality disorder may:

Have difficulty making decisions without reassurance from others
Have problems expressing disagreements with others
Avoid personal responsibility
Avoid being alone
Feel devastated or helpless when relationships end
Be unable to meet ordinary demands of life
Become preoccupied with fears of being abandoned
Be easily hurt by criticism or disapproval
Be extremely passive in relations with other people

Reviewed last on: 10/17/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Timothy A. Rogge, MD, private practice in Psychiatry, Kirkland, Washington. Also reviewed byDavid Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Young JQ. Dependent personality disorder. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2008: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008.

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