American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2026 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Dependent personality disorder is characterized by an intense need for care and reassurance, resulting in a submissive and clingy behavior towards others. Individuals with this disorder often display a strong fear of abandonment, leading them to behave in ways that seek approval and support from others. Such behaviors can manifest as difficulty making decisions without excessive advice or reassurance, a tendency to avoid responsibility, and an inability to function independently. People with dependent personality disorder may go to great lengths to maintain relationships, often enduring unpleasant situations or mistreatment to avoid being alone.

This condition contrasts significantly with borderline personality disorder, which involves a pervasive pattern of instability in interpersonal relationships, self-image, and emotions, rather than a singular focus on the need for care. Narcissistic personality disorder exhibits grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, which is different from the submissive tendencies seen in dependent personality disorder. Antisocial personality disorder is characterized by a disregard for the rights of others and a pattern of violating those rights, again differing from the compliance and need for reassurance seen in dependent behavior.