What Is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)?

What Is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)? Do you struggle to make decisions without someone else’s approval? Do you constantly seek reassurance, fear being alone, or stay in unhealthy relationships because the thought of leaving feels terrifying?

In this episode of the Ask Kati Anything Podcast, licensed therapist Kati Morton takes a deep dive into Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD). We explore the official DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, how DPD differs from anxious attachment, codependency, and borderline personality disorder (BPD), why DPD develops, and practical steps to rebuild self-trust and confidence.

EPISODE SPONSOR

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Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction: Understanding Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)

01:31 - Q1: Am I Needy, Depressed, Traumatized, or Is It DPD? (DSM-5 Criteria)

10:30 - Q2: Capable at Work, But Indecisive at Home (Capability vs. Self-Trust)

15:15 - Q3: Asking Multiple People Before Making Decisions: Advice vs. Permission

18:54 - Advice vs. Reassurance: Finding What You Really Think

20:42 - Q4: Backtracking During Disagreements & Fear of Conflict

24:00 - Q5: Why Staying in Bad Relationships Feels Safer Than Being Alone