Tommy, with a dependent personality disorder, is working to increase his self-esteem. Which of following statements by Tommy shows teaching was successful?

Correct Answer: A. “I’m not going to look just at the negative things about myself”

As the clients make progress on improving self-esteem, self-blame and negative self-evaluation will decrease. Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is a type of anxious personality disorder. People with DPD often feel helpless, submissive or incapable of taking care of themselves. They may have trouble making simple decisions. But, with help, someone with a dependent personality can learn self-confidence and self-reliance.

• Option B: Clients with dependent personality disorder tend to feel fragile and inadequate and would be extremely unlikely to discuss their level of competence and progress. People with DPD have an overwhelming need to have others take care of them. Often, a person with DPD relies on people close to them for their emotional or physical needs. Others may describe them as needy or clingy.
• Option C: These clients focus on self and aren’t envious or jealous. People with DPD may believe they can’t take care of themselves. They may have trouble making everyday decisions, such as what to wear, without others’ reassurance.
• Option D: Individuals with dependent personality disorders don’t take over situations because they see themselves as inept and inadequate. Statistics show that roughly 10% of adults have a personality disorder. Less than 1% of adults meet the criteria for DPD. More women than men tend to have DPD.