Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a pervasive, excessive need to be cared for, relying on others for guidance, support, and reassurance in making even minor everyday choices. They lack self-confidence in their abilities and judgment, leading to difficulty initiating tasks or projects. It can show up as submissive and clinging behavior to avoid conflict and disagreement and fear of separation and abandonment, as well as criticism and disapproval. Individuals with DPD avoid taking responsibility and often tolerate verbal, physical, or emotional abuse to hold onto relationships. In fact, they’re extremely uncomfortable being alone, feeling helpless and afraid they can’t care for themselves. Those with DPD have impaired functioning affecting relationships, work, and daily life, along with an increased risk of other disorders, including anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Causes:

Childhood trauma: Neglect, abuse, and overprotective or authoritarian parenting
Long-term abusive relationships can reinforce dependent behaviors.
Family history of anxiety, with a genetic predisposition to anxiety disorders
Developmental factors and different temperaments.