Link Between BPD and Dependent Personality Disorder

Link Between BPD and Dependent Personality Disorder BPD Related Conditions Print The Link Between Borderline and Dependent Personality Disorders By Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and associate professor of psychology at Eastern Connecticut State University. Learn about our editorial policy Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on June 17, 2019 Hero Images / Getty Images More in BPD Related Conditions Diagnosis Treatment Living With BPD Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is frequently associated with other personality disorders. One of the most common disorders those with BPD also experience is a dependent personality disorder. What Is Dependent Personality Disorder? DPD is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th edition, the manual used by mental health professionals to establish diagnostic criteria, DPD is classified as Cluster C, the cluster made up of anxious and fearful disorders. Other disorders included in Cluster C are avoidant and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders; all three show high levels of anxiety. Individuals with dependent personalities tend to be very clingy and have difficulties accomplishing tasks or making decisions without the help of others. They rely on others to meet their emotional and physical needs. They tend to feel inadequate and helpless and can have problems in their relationships because of their near-constant need for support. People with DPD have little trust in themselves or confidence. This can cause them to be completely reliant on a partner even in the case of domestic abuse. Common symptoms include: Fear of being aloneAvoiding taking initiative or responsibilitySensitivity to criticismLack of opinions While a direct cause is unknown, dependent personality disorder often shows itself in childhood and affects men and women equally. Dependent Personality Disorder vs. Borderline Personality Disorder Unlike those with DPD, people with BPD also experience rage, impulsivity, and aggression. They can be reckless and can engage in self-harm and see the world as black and white, with no middle ground. The two disorders often overlap in feelings of loneliness, avoiding responsibility and difficulty maintaining relationships. The Frequency of Co-Occurring DPD and BPD While studies of the co-occurrence, also known as a comorbidity, of the personality disorders are fairly limited, some researchers have examined the overlap between dependent and borderline personality. One study found that over 50 percent of patients with BPD also meet criteria for DPD. The prevalence of these comorbidities could be because some of the features of DPD are very similar to the features of BPD. For example, people with BPD experience rejection sensitivityâ€"they have a tendency to feel desperate at even the slightest perceived rejection. Individuals with DPD may react similarly to criticism or perceived abandonment by loved ones. Helping a Loved With DPD and Co-Occurring BPD Research has shown that both dependent and borderline personality disorders are treatable. Through a combination of therapy and medication, the symptoms of each disorder can be managed, enabling the affected person to live a fuller life. In order to be most effective, therapy will need to treat both disorders at once in order to achieve sustainable recovery. Find Support With the 9 Best Online Therapy Programs For example, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), schema-focused therapy, and transference-focused therapy all have treatment elements that focus on relationship problems. These may be appropriate treatment choices for someone with both BPD and DPD. In some cases, residential or outpatient services may be necessary. These treatment centers will have intensive skills training to make coping with the disorders more manageable.