Saturday, May 26, 2012

Dependent personality disorder

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Personality disorder - dependent


Treatment

Talk therapy (psychotherapy) is considered to be the most effective treatment for gradually helping people with this condition make more independent choices in life. Medication may help treat other conditions, such as anxiety or depression.


Support Groups


Expectations (prognosis)

Improvements are usually seen only with long-term therapy.


Complications
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Depression
  • Increased likelihood of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider or a mental health professional if you or your adolescent has symptoms of dependent personality disorder.



Review Date: 11/23/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Michelle Benger Merrill, MD, Instructor in Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)