Dependent personality disorder

Defining behaviors

"Clingy" Behavior → dependent and submissive ● Avoids personal responsibility ● Has difficulty displaying a differing opinion from the majority ● Lack of self-confidence in their abilities ● Goes to excessive lengths for support from others ● Feels uncomfortable when alone ● Urgently seeks new relationships ● Preoccupied with thoughts of being alone and having to care for self ● Easily hurt by criticism or disapproval from others

Patient safety questions

Complications that can arise from untreated dependent personality disorder include: Anxiety disorders such as... -Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder -Avoidant personality disorder -Panic disorder depression substance abuse

Goal setting

Learn to identify when engaging in maladaptive behavior and remind oneself ● Such as: ○ Identifying personal strengths ○ Engaging in realistic self-appraisal ○ Speaking out and stand up for one's opinion ○ Engaging in positive self-reinforcement ○ Engaging in stress relief activities/tricks that work well for the individual

Medications

Medications for depression and anxiety symptoms

Nursing priorities

Nursing Diagnosis Nursing Diagnosis and Interventions ● Decisional conflict ● Ineffective coping ●social interaction Social isolation/ Impaired ● Anxiety Disturbed personal identity/self concept ● Chronic low self esteem Interventions ● Facilitate logical decision making skills Help the patient develop coping Allow the patient to be active in their care and treatment planning Give the patient time to make decisions Make sure communication is clear and consistent Encourage patient to verbalize feelings and needs ● Help patient manage anxiety

Definition

One of the most commonly diagnosed personality disorders Characterized by an excessive reliance on others to be taken care of Perceive oneself as being unable to function without the help and guidance of others

Therapeutic interventions/communication

There are no laboratory, blood, or genetic testing used to diagnose dependent Diagnosed by a trained mental health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist A diagnosis is made by comparing one's symptoms and life history to the known criteria Psychotherapy is the main method of treatment Goal is to help the person become more active and independent, and to form healthy relationships with other people Short-term therapy with specific goals help to manage certain behaviors that interfere with functioning ● Long-term therapy for changing personality structure ● Medication for depression and anxiety symptoms