Dependent personality disorder

Dependent personality disorder
Specialty	Psychiatry, clinical psychology
Symptoms	Avoidance of decision-making, fear of abandonment, passive and/or clingy behavior, low social boundaries, oversensitivity to criticism
Complications	Codependent or abusive relationships
Risk factors	Overprotective strict parenting or authoritarian parenting
Differential diagnosis	Borderline personality disorder, Separation anxiety, Avoidant personality disorder
Treatment	Psychotherapy

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive psychological dependence on other people. This personality disorder is a long-term condition^[1] in which people depend on others to meet their emotional and physical needs. Dependent personality disorder is a cluster C personality disorder,^[2] which is characterized by excessive fear and anxiety. It begins prior to early adulthood, and it is present in a variety of contexts and is associated with inadequate functioning. Symptoms can include anything from extreme passivity, devastation or helplessness when relationships end, avoidance of responsibilities, and severe submission.