Personality and Mood Disorders Q 33

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A nurse is assessing a client diagnosed with a dependent personality disorder. Which of the following characteristics is a major component of this disorder?

  

     A. Abrasive to others

     B. Indifferent to others

     C. Manipulative of others

     D. Over-reliance on others

    

    

Correct Answer: D. Over-reliance on others.

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Clients with dependent personality disorder are extremely over-reliant on others; they aren’t abrasive or assertive. They’re clinging and demanding of others; they don’t manipulate. Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a type of anxious personality disorder. People with DPD often feel helpless, submissive or incapable of taking care of themselves. They may have trouble making simple decisions. But, with help, someone with a dependent personality can learn self-confidence and self-reliance.

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Option A: People with DPD have an overwhelming need to have others take care of them. Often, a person with DPD relies on people close to them for their emotional or physical needs. Others may describe them as needy or clingy.

Option B: People with DPD may believe they can’t take care of themselves. They may have trouble making everyday decisions, such as what to wear, without others’ reassurance.

Option C: In patients with dependent personality disorder, the need to be taken care of results in loss of their autonomy and interests. Because they are intensely anxious about taking care of themselves, they become excessively dependent and submissive.

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