Dependent Personality Disorder

1. Dependent Personality Disorder Jessica Leonardi Test and Measures

2. Personality Disorder Defined as an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that differs markedly from the expectations of the individual�s culture is pervasive and inflexible has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood is stable over time leads to distress or impairment

3. DSM IV Classification DPD is classified as a Cluster C disorder Exhibits anxious fearful behavior Cluster C includes: Avoidant Personality Disorder Dependent Personality Disorder Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder

4. Dependent Personality Disorder Defined DPD is described as a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to a submissive and clinging behavior as well as fears of separation. Begins in early adulthood Is present in a variety of contexts Cause is unknown

5. Diagnosing DPD Is indicated by five or more of the following characteristics: Have difficulty making everyday decision without excessive advice and reassurance from others Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life Has difficulty initiating projects or tasks on their own Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, including volunteering for unpleasant tasks Feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for themselves Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of support when a close relationship ends. Is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of themselves

6. Personality Traits Inability to make decisions Passivity Avoiding personal responsibility Avoiding being alone Devastation when relationship ends Unable to meet ordinary demands of life Preoccupied with fears of being abandoned Constant approval-seeking behavior

7. Other Symptoms Pessimistic, characterized by self doubt Tolerate physical abuse Respond to criticism and disapproval as proof of their worthlessness Are at a high risk for suicide attempts especially after rejection

8. Associated Disorders Separation Anxiety Disorder Chronic physical illness Adjustment disorder Anxiety Disorders Mood disorders Depression Also at risk for smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders

9. Treatment There is no specific treatment for DPD Long term psychotherapy is the most common form of treatment Medications can also be used in treating associated disorders

10. Psychotherapy Cognitive-behavioral therapy Changing maladaptive thinking patterns Such as the inability to make important life decisions Focuses on solutions to specific problems that patients are currently experiencing Assertiveness training is often most effective Patients are often outwardly compliant Tend to be passive in treatment Easy to get patients into therapy, but are difficult because of their strong need for constant reassurance and support Often become dependent upon the clinician

11. Medication May be helpful to treat any co-occurring conditions Most commonly: antidepressants, sedatives and tranquilizers Sedative drug abuse/overdose is common Should not be used alone without psychotherapy Anxiety medication can often interfere with psychotherapy

12. Long-term Implications Only long-term therapy has shown to be helpful for individuals with DPD No real cure Patients can become dependent on therapy, which contradicts the long-term therapy that is often needed

13. References http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/dependent.html http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000941.htm http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3472.htm http://news.thresholds.org/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=477&cn=8 http://www.toad.net/~arcturus/dd/depend.htm http://www.ptypes.com/dependentpd.html http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/91.cfm All viewed on 9/9/06 Chioqueta, A.P., & Stiles, T.C. (2004). Assessing suicide risk in cluster c personality disorders. Crisis, 25(3), 128-133.