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A pervasive and excessive need to be cared for. This need leads to submissive, clinging behavior, and fears of separation beginning by early adulthood and indicated by at least five of the following:
Difficulty making everyday decisions without excessive advice and reassurance.
Needs others to assume responsibility for major areas of his life.
Difficulty expressing disagreement with others and unrealistically fears loss of support or approval if he disagrees.
Difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own, due to a lack of self-confidence in judgment or
Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support, to the point of volunteering to do things.
Uncomfortable or helpless when alone due to exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself.
Urgently seeks another source of care and support when a close relationship ends.
Unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself.
Clinical Features of Dependent Personality Disorders
Epidemiology of Dependent Personality Disorders
Differential Diagnosis
Treatment