Dependent Personality Disorder Therapy in Conway, AR—Therapy and Counseling
People with Dependent Personality Disorder face many personal and professional problems. They often need a caretaker or authority figure to please. They usually have low self-esteem and do not trust themselves to provide for their own needs. When people have the disorder, they often do not make the transition into adulthood and remain in a perpetual adolescence. Living their own, unique, independent life is often difficult if not impossible for people with the disorder. Dependent Personality Disorder is a severe illness, but it has effective treatments. When people work with a mental health professional, they often learn how to live a self-reliant, autonomous life.
That is why Thriveworks Conway offers therapy for Dependent Personality Disorder. Our therapists have helped many people find the treatment they need and learn how to live the unique life they deserve. Reach out today for help.
Red Flags for Dependent Personality Disorder
People tell themselves that they are incapable of providing for their own psychological, financial, material, and emotional needs. People also tell themselves that others (specifically, authority figures) must provide for their needs. These two beliefs can fuel many, many difficulties in an individual’s life. When people have Dependent Personality Disorder, they often feel incapable. They may suffer from separation anxiety when they are away from authority figures. They are often clingy and have difficulty accurately assessing their strengths and weaknesses. Instead, they over-emphasize their fault and underestimate their abilities.
A full description of the disorder is given in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). The signs for Dependent Personality Disorder (301.6[F70.7]) are:
- Fear of separation.
- A need to be cared for.
- Submissive behavior.
For a diagnosis to be made, at least five of the following will be present as well:
- Needing reassurance and advice for everyday decisions. For example, having a parent check over one’s grocery list or calling to ask permission to purchase a new pair of jeans.
- Experiencing discomfort with one’s individuality and independence.
- Giving responsibility of significant areas of one’s life over to an authority figure. For example, having a parent pay one’s bills.
- Fearing abandonment—particularly if it means caring for oneself.
- Going to extremes to ensure the nurture and support of one’s caregivers. For example, downplaying one’s true opinions or feelings to secure someone’s care.
- Being overly compliant with what others believe.
- When one caretaking relationship ends, quickly establishing a new relationship that provides for one’ needs.
- Difficulty building and maintaining mutual relationships that do not morph into caretaking relationships.
Treating Dependent Personality Disorder
The treatment plan for Dependent Personality Disorder must focus upon self-reliance and independence. The mental health professional cannot become another caregiver and authority figure in a client’s life. In order to achieve this goal, there are several options for treatment, including…
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: this therapy looks at the disordered thought patterns that fuel the disorder. It seeks to help clients recognize those thoughts so that they can be replaced with positive, true thoughts.
- Medication: as part of a holistic plan for healing, some clients may need medication. In particular, if someone is also suffering from depression and/or anxiety, medication combined with therapy may allow people to make progress in long-term healing.
- Psychodynamic therapy: this therapy focuses upon how and when the dependency formed. It is a long-term therapy, but it has proven effective in treating Dependent Personality Disorder. It seeks to get to the root of the harm caused by the disorder.
Treatment at Thriveworks Conway
If you are ready to meet with a mental health professional about your dependency, know that the therapists at Thriveworks Conway are ready to meet with you. When you call our office, your first appointment may be the same week. We accept many different forms of insurance, and we offer evening and weekend sessions. Call today.
