Dependent Personality Disorder Diagnostic Criteria

Dependent Personality Disorder

A pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

Criterion 1

has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others

– Very difficult for them to take initiative on their own behalf or to provide direction to their lives or careers

• Instead, they bond themselves to those they perceive as confident or in control

– Constantly solicit advice and reassurance before committing to almost anything

– Piggyback themselves on the talents, abilities, and fortitude of others

• Often in trivial matters (e.g., what to eat for lunch)

Criterion 2

needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life

– This is self-perpetuating

• Initiatives are never taken

• No confidence in the self is ever developed

• Taking initiatives becomes a greater risk and a greater challenge

Criterion 3

has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. Note: do not include realistic fears of retribution

– Independence is a curse

– Presentation is often as precious and adorable

– In their minds, they must always be pleasing and never disagree with those they depend on

– Conflict is

• Inconsistent with their self-image

• A risk to continued protection

Criterion 4

has difficulty initiation projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self- confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy)

– Result of self-perpetuating cycle

• Because others have always been there to take control

• Their rule is:

– “As long as I am sweet and pleasing, everything will be taken care of by others”

– Not from depression

• These people may have plenty of energy, they just lack direction

Criterion 5

goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant

– This is done in attempt to secure relationships when they seem as though they might be at risk

Criterion 6

feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself

– The ability to take care of oneself has resisted ever being tested

– If/When caring for the self becomes necessary, there is a lack of confidence

Criterion 7

urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends

– If one seemingly dependable figure leaves, another is quickly sought

– The dependable figure’s role is more important than who they are

Criterion 8

is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself

– These fears are constantly on the mind

• Whether real or perceived