Evaluate your risk for Dependent Personality Disorder with a validated screening questionnaire. Dependent personality disorder is a personality disorder that is characterized by a dependence and over-reliance on others. While the line between a dependent personality and dependent personality disorder is sometimes unclear, the DSM requires at least five of the following: 1. Has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others. 2. Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of their life. 3. Has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. 4. Has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on their own (because of a lack of self confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy). 5. Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant. 6. Feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for themselves. 7. Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends. 8. Is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of themselves. Disclaimer: This test is NOT a diagnostic test. A diagnosis can only be provided by a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult a physician or mental health professional if you are concerned about your mental health. Tyrer, P., Morgan, J., & Cicchetti, D. (2004). The Dependent Personality Questionnaire (DPQ): a screening instrument for dependent personality. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 50(1), 10-17.
