How to Treat Dependent Personality Disorder

A dependent personality disorder is characterized by a constant need to receive care and attention from others and by feelings of helplessness and a profound fear of abandonment. Individuals who suffer from this disorder are often considered "clingy" or susceptible to over-dependence on others in their life. Through an individualized program of psychotherapy, you may effectively treat a dependent personality disorder.

Things You'll Need

• Antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs
• Psychiatrist or psychologist

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Instructions

Treat a Dependent Personality Disorder

• 1

  Know the common symptoms of a dependent personality disorder. These include difficulty in making decisions without receiving the advice of others, a need for others to assume responsibility for the individual, a refusal to disagree with anyone else's opinion out of fear of rejection, a fear of being alone or abandoned and always requiring the presence of interpersonal relationships.

• 2

  Seek a diagnosis for a dependent personality disorder from a qualified mental health care professional. Generally, a person who suffers from a dependent personality disorder will be very cooperative and compliant with any treatment options that are presented to them, so care must be taken to select the best way to treat the disorder.

• 3

  Use individualized psychotherapy as the most effective way to treat a dependent personality disorder. Avoid a long-term course of therapy, since the patient will likely become dependent upon the therapist and be unwilling to make progress. Focus must be placed on addressing each aspect of the patient's life objectively, and to find solutions for each concern presented as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

• 4

  Consider the use of antidepressants and anti-anxiety prescription drugs to be used in conjunction with the individualized psychotherapy. Do not use placebo drugs, as was often done in the past, since it can be both unethical and ineffective. Always ensure that the patient fully understands the effects expected from the prescription medication, including any potential side effects.

• 5

  Attend a support group designed for people who have dependent personality disorders, as this well help introduce healthy and non-dependent personal relationships. This should only be considered when used in conjunction with individualized psychotherapy.