What Causes DPD?
Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) belongs to a category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) known as “Cluster C” personality disorders. They’re characterized by pervasive feelings of anxiety and fear and remain among the least understood aspects of mental health.
While the cause of DPD is unknown, researchers believe it stems from a combination of factors, including abuse, childhood trauma, genetics, and cultural, religious, or familial behaviors. Those who’ve endured abusive relationships find themselves at an elevated risk of DPD diagnosis, the scars of mistreatment shaping their interpersonal dynamics profoundly.
Childhood trauma, be it through physical or verbal abuse or neglect, casts a long shadow on one’s emotional landscape, potentially paving the path toward DPD. Moreover, those who grappled with life-threatening illnesses during their formative years may also find themselves susceptible.
Genetic predispositions emerge as another salient factor, with individuals harboring family histories of DPD or related anxiety disorders bearing a heightened vulnerability to its manifestation. Finally, cultural, religious, or familial practices that underscore submission to authority may sow the seeds of dependency, fostering an environment conducive to the development of DPD in susceptible individuals.