Dependent personality disorder is one of ten different types of personality disorders. Although it is less common than some of the other disorders such as OCD and narcissistic personality disorder, it does have a high rate of comorbidity with borderline personality disorder. Comorbidity is a term that means co-occurring or the existence of two or more conditions at the same time. It is typical for a person with a personality disorder to also have another mental illness. For those with dependent borderline disorder, also having symptoms of BPD is not uncommon.
Having one mental health disorder is challenging enough as it is, but with two, it can be significantly more difficult to determine how one illness may be affecting the other and the best path for treatment. At Blair Wellness Group, we specialize in treating people with personality disorders. We understand that each person is different and the best way to manage their illness is to get to know their unique challenges and goals so that we may create a treatment program that is highly effective. If you’ve been struggling with symptoms of a personality disorder or have been looking for treatment for borderline personality disorder in Los Angeles, we encourage you to give us a call.
What is Dependent Personality Disorder?
Individuals with dependent personality disorder have an incessant need for approval. Although they are mentally capable of making their own decisions, they rely on others to tell them what to do because they feel the need for reassurance and have a constant fear of rejection. This can make a person with DPD appear to be needy and lacking self-confidence.
What is Borderline Personality Disorder?
Borderline personality disorder is similar to DPD in that people with it often have an intense fear of abandonment. However, instead of being submissive and doing everything possible to avoid conflict or disagreement, individuals with borderline personality disorder have frequent mood swings that include periods of intense rage, aggression, and impulsivity that often push people away.
Co-Occurring BPD and DPD
While both of these disorders may seem very different on the surface, they can overlap in their ability to create relationship problems and feelings of loneliness. Plus, having both types of personality disorders can complicate treatment because if one goes untreated it can trigger the other. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced psychologist who will provide personalized treatment aimed at managing both disorders concurrently. It is only in doing so that a person will be able to achieve a sustainable recovery.
Treatment for Personality Disorders
Both dependent and borderline personality disorders can be helped with treatment that includes psychotherapy. Dialectical Behavior Treatment (DBT) is one very effective approach utilized at Blair Wellness Group. DBT is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals learn how to regulate their emotions and to better tolerate emotional distress. This is accomplished by bringing awareness to the behaviors that are damaging, self-sabotaging, or counterproductive, and showing them how to replace them with healthy habits and adaptive coping mechanisms.
If you would like to learn more about treatment for dependent or borderline personality disorder in Los Angeles, please call Blair Wellness Group at 310-999-4996.
