What Is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)?

What Is Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD)? Do you struggle to make decisions without someone else’s approval? Do you constantly seek reassurance, fear being alone, or stay in unhealthy relationships because the thought of leaving feels terrifying? In this episode of the Ask Kati Anything Podcast, licensed therapist Kati Morton takes a deep dive into Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD). We explore the official DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, how DPD differs from anxious attachment, codependency, and borderline personality disorder (BPD), why DPD develops, 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 **Timestamps** 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 35:40 - Q7: DPD vs. Anxious Attachment, Codependency, BPD & Avoidant PD 44:33 - Q8: Where Does DPD Come From? (Genetics, Childhood, Overprotective Parenting) 53:32 - Q9: Why Does Reassurance Never Feel Like Enough? (The Reassurance Cycle) 56:31 - Q10: Transferring Dependency onto Your Therapist 01:02:03 - 5 Actionable Steps to Build Self-Trust and Overcome DPD **MY BOOKS** [Why Do I Keep Doing This?](%20https://geni.us/XoyLSQ) [Traumatized](%20https://geni.us/Bfak0j) [Are u ok?](%20https://geni.us/sva4iUY%20) **ONLINE THERAPY - Enjoy 10% off your first month** If you're looking for a therapist, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed online professional: https://betterhelp.com/kati - a portion of your signup helps support the podcast at no extra cost to you. **SOCIAL** **X** https://twitter.com/KatiMorton **TikTok** https://www.tiktok.com/@katimorton **Substack** https://substack.com/@katimorton1 **Facebook** https://www.facebook.com/katimorton1/ **Instagram** https://www.instagram.com/katimorton **Pinterest** https://www.pinterest.com/katimorton1/ **Patreon** https://www.katimorton.com/kati-morton-patreon/ **PARTNERSHIPS** Nick Freeman | nick@biglittlemedia.co **Disclaimer:** **The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship.** Ask Kati Anything ep. 333 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices