Dependent personality disorder, previously known as asthenic personality disorder, is a longstanding pattern of excessive reliance on others to meet emotional and physical needs. Dependents use other people to provide emotional gratification and perform both crucial and inconsequential routine and psychological functions. There is a profound fear of separation with subsequent submissive behavior. Some persons with dependent personality disorder may reach a point where they are completely unable to make any decision for themselves. They may be afraid to disagree with anyone, ending up involved in relationships and activities in which they do not want to participate. When they are alone they feel uncomforted, helpless, or powerless, and they may be unable to care for themselves. Because of these dependencies, they often jump from relationship to relationship, preferring to never be alone. This compliance may put them in situations where abuse or neglect arise. Persons with dependent personalities manifest a low level of confidence in their own intelligence and abilities.
Dependent personality disorder is usually not diagnosed in childhood, as children are dependent on their parents or caretakers as stages of normal development. However, adolescents and teenagers who rely excessively on their parents to make minor decisions (such as what to wear or eat, or how to spend their free time) may be manifesting early tendencies towards dependency.
In addition to dependent behaviors, persons with dependent personality disorder may present with physical (somatic) complaints such as fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, headaches, chronic pain or other symptoms. Their constant need for reassurance and attention can cause difficulties with their family and coworkers, as well as with mental health professionals who may be treating them. They may experience coexisting psychological problems, especially anxiety (phobias, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder) or depression.
The treatment of choice for dependent personality disorder is psychotherapy. A dependent personality treatment center, such as Psychological Care and Healing Center (PCH), is a powerful choice to make to initiate a pathway towards healing. The PCH Dependent Personality Disorder treatment facility focuses on helping Clients develop solutions to their life issues, teaching them to develop independence and self sufficiency. Assertiveness training is also vitally important. Group therapies are provided which are important to help the person with dependent personality disorder function in real life situations dealing with other people. A dependent personality treatment center Los Angeles, such as PCH provides an immersive milieu where Clients are receiving guidance and insight intensively throughout the day.
The PCH dependent personality treatment facility differs from outpatient therapy, in that individual psychotherapy takes place everyday and it is supplemented with holistic healing activities, such as massage, acupuncture, mindfulness meditation and yoga. Thus, PCH offers a holistic dependent personality disorder treatment facility Los Angeles unparalleled in resources and expertise with this disorder.
When a Client with dependent personality disorder reaches a time where therapy will be terminated, it is a critical juncture. There may be hesitancy or fear to discontinue the relationship resulting in anxiety or depression. It is important that the clinician or treatment center encourage autonomy and independence so that the Client moves forward in their healing and personal development. The PCH dependent personality disorder treatment clinic understands these issues and deals with this and all aspects of treatment in a sensitive and careful manner to ensure our Client's success and well-being.
