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Dependent Personality Disorder

William G. Elder, PhD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation (1...

DIAGNOSIS

  • Assess suicide ideation and self-harm behavior.

  • Other diagnoses should be ruled out such as Borderline Personality Disorder or Histrionic Personality Disorder.

HISTORY

DSM-5 criteria require a ...

TREATMENT

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and outpatient psychotherapy can improve functioning, self-confidence, and quality of life and reduce symptoms in patients with DPD (4)[A]. 

GENERAL MEASURES

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Schedule routine follow-up with the patient (relieves patient anxiety about medical care relationship with a physician).

  • Set limits to availability. Keep to regula...

REFERENCES

1
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association; 2013. [View Abstra...

CODES

ICD10

F60.7 Dependent personality disorder 

SNOMED

84466009 Dependent personality disorder 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • DPD is characterized by an excessive and pervasive need to be taken care of, leading to submissive and clingy behavior and fear of separation.

  • To determine if a patient has a DPD versus...

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