Dependent personality disorder is a personality disorder in which the individual tends to be overly dependent and has an excessive need for constant guidance, approval or protection from others. This refers to a pattern in which the individual's ability to think and make decisions on their own is limited and they give up their personal needs in order to meet the expectations of others. Dependent personality disorder can cause the individual to have difficulty gaining independence and establishing healthy relationships. Treatment for dependent personality disorder usually involves individual therapy, which focuses on increasing self-esteem and empowering the individual to make their own decisions.
The symptoms of dependent personality disorder indicate that the individual has difficulties in gaining independence and making their own decisions. In the treatment process, therapies that focus on coping with these symptoms and developing healthy relationship skills are usually used.
What are the Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder?
Dependent personality disorder is a condition characterized by an individual's tendency towards excessive dependency. The symptoms observed in individuals with this disorder are as follows:
Difficulty Making Decisions: The individual has difficulty making decisions on his/her own and constantly needs the guidance of others.
Need for Dependency: The individual shows an extreme dependency tendency and is constantly dependent on the approval, guidance or protection of others.
Timidity and Anxiety: Shows signs of timidity and anxiety in social relationships, often hesitating to interact with others.
Difficulty with Personal Goals: Has difficulty setting and achieving personal goals.
Separation Fear: Overly worried about separation from others, so tends to maintain relationships.
Hypersensitivity to Criticism: Tends to say yes reluctantly in order to avoid criticism.
What Causes Dependent Personality Disorder?
There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of dependent personality disorder. These may include the following:
Childhood Experiences: Challenging or controlling parental relationships can shape an individual's addictive tendencies.
Overprotective Upbringing: Growing up in an overprotective environment during childhood can trigger addictive personality traits.
Addictive Environments: Family or social environment influences that cause an individual to learn to be overly dependent on others from childhood.
Addiction Predisposition: Genetic factors are thought to play a role in influencing an individual's addictive personality traits.
Emotional Instability: Growing up in an emotionally unstable environment can increase addictive tendencies.
Low Self-confidence: Low self-esteem may cause an individual to have difficulty trusting their own judgment.
Although the etiology of addictive personality disorder is complex, childhood experiences and family relationships are often thought to play a role. Professional help can help the individual deal with these root causes and learn healthy relationship dynamics.
Treatment for Dependent Personality Disorder
Treatment for dependent personality disorder aims to strengthen the individual's independence, increase self-esteem and develop healthy relationship skills. Treatment usually includes the following methods:
Psychotherapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapies can help the individual understand their thought patterns and addictive patterns.
Group Therapy: Group therapy with other individuals can be helpful for support and sharing similar experiences.
Social Skills Training: Social skills training can be applied to help the individual overcome addictive personality traits.
Increasing Self-confidence: Under the guidance of a therapist, efforts can be made to strengthen the individual's self-confidence.
Problem Solving Skills: Therapy sessions focusing on improving the individual's ability to solve their own problems can be organized.
Understanding Addictive Dynamics: During the treatment process, the focus is on understanding why the individual is overly dependent on others and changing these dynamics.