A 20-year-old client was diagnosed with dependent personality disorder. Which behavior is not most likely to be evidence of ineffective individual coping?

Correct Answer: D. Inability to make choices and decision without advice

Individuals with dependent personality disorder typically show indecisiveness, submissiveness, and clinging behavior so that others will make decisions with them. 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 A: Self-destructive behaviors are those that are bound to harm you physically or mentally. It may be unintentional. Or, it may be that you know exactly what you’re doing, but the urge is too strong to control. It may be due to earlier life experiences. It can also be related to a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety. Self-destructive behavior is when you do something that’s sure to cause self-harm, whether it’s emotional or physical.
• Option B: 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. 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 C: Dependent personality belongs to a group of anxious or fearful disorders that also includes avoidant personality — painfully shy, inhibited, and withdrawn. But it also has characteristics in common with histrionic personality — self-dramatizing, suggestible, seductive, and constantly starved for attention.