Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is frequently associated with other personality disorders.
A common disorder that those with BPD may also experience is a dependent personality disorder (DPD).
What Is Dependent Personality Disorder?
Hero Images / Getty Images
DPD is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of.
They rely on others to meet their emotional and physical needs.
People with DPD have little trust in themselves or confidence.
This can cause them to be completely reliant on a partner even in the case of domestic abuse.
The two disorders often overlap in feelings of loneliness, avoiding responsibility and difficulty maintaining relationships.
A 2014 study found a 20 percent comorbidity rate among subjects who had bothBPDand DPD.
Individuals with DPD may react similarly to criticism or perceived abandonment by loved ones.
These may be appropriate treatment choices for someone with both BPD and DPD.
In some cases, residential or outpatient services may be necessary.
These treatment centers will have intensive skills training to make coping with the disorders more manageable.
2010;24(1):109-27. doi:10.1521/pedi.2010.24.1.109
Association AP.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
American Psychiatric Pub; 2013.
Cleveland Clinic.Dependent Personality Disorder.
Reviewed March 30, 2017.
2018;18(1):341. doi:10.1186/s12888-018-1905-6