Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment in India

Aditya Das, a 28-year-old junior architect,...

Aditya Das, a 28-year-old junior architect, grew up in a traditional, close-knit family where major decisions were always made for him. His symptoms included an intense fear of being alone, an inability to make everyday decisions without excessive reassurance, and a pattern of clinging to relationships, even unhealthy ones, to avoid abandonment. After his fiancée ended their engagement, citing his suffocating dependence, Aditya experienced a severe anxiety crisis. His primary care physician referred him to a psychiatrist, Dr. Mehta, who diagnosed him with Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD). Dr. Mehta recommended a course of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focused on building self-efficacy, supplemented by group therapy for social skills. The treatment experience was challenging; Aditya initially struggled with homework assignments like choosing a restaurant alone. He often felt overwhelmed and tearful in sessions. However, with consistent support, he began identifying his core belief of 'I am incompetent.' His emotional journey started with profound shame and helplessness. Post-treatment, after 18 months, Aditya has learned to tolerate uncertainty. He lives independently, makes confident decisions at work, and is cultivating friendships based on mutual respect rather than need. The outcome is a newfound sense of self-trust, though he remains mindful of old patterns during stress.