Dependent personality disorder: A hindrance to self-care

Dependent Personality Disorder is a mental disorder classified under DSM IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4th edition). This disorder basically describes people who consistently resist self-care or self-help. People with Dependent Personality Disorder do not acknowledge or give credit to their own abilities. They would rather rely on another person’s help, even if that other person’s help is not so useful, hence settling for less.

People with Dependent Personality Disorder learn to be over-dependent on others over a long period of time. They come from social environments or structures which do not foster self-reliance.