Individuals with dependent personality disorder are extremely needy, relying on others for emotional support and decision making.

Epidemiology
Lifetime prevalence is 15% to 20%, 2% to 3% clinically.

Etiology
The etiology is unknown.

Clinical Manifestations
History and Mental Status Examination
These people yearn to be cared for. Because of their extreme dependence on others for emotional support and decision making, they live in great and continual fear of separation from someone they depend on, hence their submissive and clinging behaviors.

Differential Diagnosis
People with dependent personality disorder are similar to individuals with borderline personality disorder in their desire to avoid abandonment but do not exhibit the impulsive behavior, unstable affect, and poor self-image of the borderline patient.