Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD): Signs and Self-Trust

Do you struggle to make decisions without someone else's approval, constantly seek reassurance, or stay in unhealthy relationships because leaving feels terrifying? Licensed therapist Kati Morton takes a deep dive into Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD).

We cover the DSM-5 criteria, how DPD differs from anxious attachment, codependency, BPD, and avoidant PD, why it develops, the reassurance cycle, transferring dependency onto a therapist, and practical steps to rebuild self-trust and confidence.

Episode sponsor: Specialized virtual trauma treatment is available through Rebound. Founded by survivors and psychologists, Rebound provides clinically effective trauma therapy covered by leading insurance plans: https://hellorebound.com/askkatianything

Chapters:

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

29:31 Q6: Urgently Jumping Into Rebound Relationships