What is dependent personality disorder (DPD)?

What is dependent personality disorder (DPD)?

Mental health experts describe personality as a person’s way of thinking, feeling and behaving. A personality disorder affects the way people think or act, making them behave differently over time.

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is one of 10 types of personality disorders. Other types include antisocial personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder and paranoid personality disorder. Dependent personality disorder usually starts during childhood or by the age of 29.

People with DPD have an overwhelming need to have others take care of them. Often, a person with DPD relies on people close to them for their emotional or physical needs. Others may describe them as needy or clingy.

People with DPD may believe they can’t take care of themselves. They may have trouble making everyday decisions, such as what to wear, without others’ reassurance.

Statistics show that roughly 10% of adults have a personality disorder. Less than 1% of adults meet the criteria for DPD. More women than men tend to have DPD.