Dependent Personality Disorder Causes

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a condition wherein a person becomes too much dependent on a 'caretaker' figure and becomes absolutely submissive, meek and clingy towards the caretaker. This is because a person suffering from DPD has a self belief that he or she will not be able to take care of himself or herself all alone. Which is why they desperately need someone responsible and strong (which is everyone else except for themselves) to take their responsibility and each and every decision related to their life. These people are usually extremely clingy in nature and seek for constant support and reassurance from their caregiver. They have an unending fear of separation from their caregiver and being left all alone by themselves. Speaking about the possible causes for this condition, the exact reason as to why only some people suffer from this disorder and not others, is still unknown. Though researchers are still working on this, there are various hypotheses that have been developed after analyzing the signs and symptoms of this condition. So before we speak about the hypothetical causes of dependent personality disorder, let us have a look at its signs and symptoms.

Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder

After reading the paragraph above, you must have understood that these people have no confidence in themselves when it comes to taking responsibility, be it of others or themselves. A part of being responsible is to be able to take decisions and control of their life, which is something that these people are incapable of doing, just because of their mentality and so-called opinion about themselves. Because of this, they feel that if they are abandoned by their caregiver, they would be left all alone with no one to cater their emotional, physical and financial needs. Because of this, these people tend to go to great extents just to sustain the relationship, even though it involves abuse, or doing things that one doesn't approve of! Another interesting point to be noted is that these people do not necessarily have any attachment towards the individual person, they choose to be with a person just to feel secure and taken care of. Which is why, these people tend to get into another relationship and find another 'caregiver figure' to meet their needs. Have a look at the signs and symptoms of DPD.

• Extreme fear of separation and being left all alone
• Avoid taking independent decisions and responsibilities
• Fear of abandonment or criticism towards expressing disagreements or taking decisions
• Inability to take decisions without seeking advice from others even in the smallest matters
• Becoming vulnerable, helpless and highly upset when a relationship ends
• Becoming extremely submissive, meek or passive in a relationship and letting others take decisions on their behalf

What Causes Dependent Personality Disorder

Experts have actually traced the emergence of dependent personality disorder from childhood environment and upbringing. This is because the traits of DPD have been observed in children as old as 6-7 years of age. Therefore, the reason why some people suffer from DPD, and some do not, can be associated with both biological and development factors of the person during childhood. Have a look at some of the main reasons which can lead to DPD.

Biological Reasons
Research done by experts shows a vital correlation between certain inborn biological factors and the development of the condition in a person towards early adulthood. These factors include pessimistic approach in thinking and anxiety and fear towards separation. There is a possibility that these inborn factors are encouraged all the more during childhood..., which brings us to the next point...

Developmental Factors
Developmental factors are the factors that a human being faces during his or her entire lifespan. The developmental factors that could have led to DPD include an overprotective parenting style, absence of encouragement from family and friends to take independent decisions, facing a lot of criticism and disapproval in the past when expressed disagreement or taken independent decision and so on. If a person has always been in an authoritarian environment wherein all that was expected of them was to follow someone without questioning, that too can lead to this type of personality disorder. An over controlling and dominant family may also trigger the emergence of this disorder in individuals.

It is sad to state that most of the people suffering from this personality disorder never seek medical attention unless their behavior leads to problems in their relationships and life. The treatment for dependent personality disorder involves psychotherapy, including various therapies and sessions focusing on restructuring their beliefs and thinking about themselves in terms of not being able to take care of themselves on their own. The therapist also sets certain achievable goals that the patient needs to achieve which slowly helps the patients become more confident and responsible about themselves. Medication may also be prescribed to treat certain signs and symptoms like depression, anxiety or substance abuse which is also seen in these patients.