Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD): A Case Study

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is defined as the pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior as well as the fear of separation (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, para. 1). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) categorizes this disorder under personality disorders in Cluster C. This is because Dependent Personality Disorder, as well as other personality disorders in this cluster, are defined by anxious or fearful behavior. However, in order for Dependent Personality Disorder to be diagnosed, these behaviors and feelings must be pervasive and impair people from living a normal life. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) includes

They fear that they will lose the support and approval that they receive from others, especially from those that they are dependent on. Individuals with this disorder often feel incapable of functioning by themselves and therefore decide to accept ideas or actions that they feel are wrong or are uncomfortable with rather than risk losing support (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, para. 3). They do not express anger or concern to those that they are dependent on. This behavior is caused by feelings of extreme self-doubt, pessimism, and the overall fear of abandonment (S. M. Woo & C. Keatinge, 2016, p. 901). These feelings also contribute to individuals with the disorder struggling to initiate projects or doing things independently (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, para. 4). They lack the self-confidence needed to take charge and act as though they are inept or require constant assistance. Instead they wait for others to take responsibility because they believe that they will do a better job. However, individuals with this disorder are able to overcome this problem and properly function if they believe that another person will be supervising and approving of their actions (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, para.

9). However, diagnosis needs to be provided with great caution and consideration. For some people who demonstrate symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder those behaviors or feelings may be appropriate for their age, situation, or health (S. M. Woo & C. Keatinge, 2016, p. 901). Specifically if they are young children whose dependent behavior is developmentally appropriate or for an adult who may suffer from mental illness or is handicapped. Cultural factors must also be considered when a diagnosis is provided. In a society where there is an emphasis on community, passivity, and politeness dependent behaviors and feelings may be misinterpreted as Dependent Personality Disorder. These dependent behavior should only be considered as a characteristic of Dependent Personality Disorder when it is in excess of the culture’s norms and demonstrates the individuals fear of separation (American Psychiatric Association, 2013, para. 10). Similarly, in societies that encourage individualism and independence dependent behaviors may be discouraged and misinterpreted as Dependent Personality