What is
Dependent Personality Disorder?

Dependent Personality Disorder is a mental health disorder that can impact individuals in different ways. Understanding and addressing it through therapy can lead to improved well-being and quality of life.

What Is It?

Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) is a mental health condition characterised by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive, clingy behavior and a fear of separation. People with DPD often have difficulty making everyday decisions without reassurance and struggle to assert themselves in relationships.

Common Experiences

Common experiences include relying heavily on others for emotional support, avoiding disagreements to maintain approval, and feeling helpless or anxious when alone. Individuals may also go to great lengths to please others, even at their own expense, and often have difficulty starting or completing tasks without guidance.

How It Can Affect You

This disorder can significantly affect a person’s independence, self-esteem, and ability to maintain healthy, balanced relationships. It may lead to codependency, staying in harmful or abusive situations out of fear of being alone, and difficulty pursuing personal goals or growth due to overwhelming reliance on others.