Dependent Personality Disorder

Dependent personality disorder is characterized by pervasive and excessive psychological dependence on others, manifesting as submissive behavior, fear of separation, and difficulty making independent decisions. Etiology involves genetic vulnerability, early attachment disruptions, and psychosocial stressors. Clinically, patients exhibit a need for reassurance, avoidance of responsibility, and urgent seeking of nurturance, often leading to interpersonal difficulties. Diagnosis requires clinical assessment based on DSM-5 criteria, emphasizing chronic patterns of dependency across various contexts. Management incorporates psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral and psychodynamic approaches, to enhance autonomy and decision-making skills. Prognosis is generally favorable with long-term therapeutic engagement, though chronic dependency patterns may persist in the absence of intervention.