Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD): Signs and Self-Trust

Do you struggle to make decisions without someone else's approval, constantly seek reassurance, or stay in unhealthy relationships because leaving feels terrifying? Licensed therapist Kati Morton takes a deep dive into Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD). We cover the DSM-5 criteria, how DPD differs from anxious attachment, codependency, BPD, and avoidant PD, why it develops, the reassurance cycle, transferring dependency onto a therapist, and practical steps to rebuild self-trust and confidence. Episode sponsor: Specialized virtual trauma treatment is available through Rebound. Founded by survivors and psychologists, Rebound provides clinically effective trauma therapy covered by leading insurance plans: https://hellorebound.com/askkatianything Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Understanding Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) 01:31 Q1: Am I Needy, Depressed, Traumatized, or Is It DPD? (DSM-5 Criteria) 10:30 Q2: Capable at Work, But Indecisive at Home (Capability vs. Self-Trust) 15:15 Q3: Asking Multiple People Before Making Decisions: Advice vs. Permission 18:54 Advice vs. Reassurance: Finding What You Really Think 20:42 Q4: Backtracking During Disagreements & Fear of Conflict 24:00 Q5: Why Staying in Bad Relationships Feels Safer Than Being Alone 29:31 Q6: Urgently Jumping Into Rebound Relationships 35:40 Q7: DPD vs. Anxious Attachment, Codependency, BPD & Avoidant PD 44:33 Q8: Where Does DPD Come From? (Genetics, Childhood, Overprotective Parenting) 53:32 Q9: Why Does Reassurance Never Feel Like Enough? (The Reassurance Cycle) 56:31 Q10: Transferring Dependency onto Your Therapist 1:02:03 5 Actionable Steps to Build Self-Trust and Overcome DPD Kati's books: Why Do I Keep Doing This? · Traumatized · Are u ok? Online therapy: BetterHelp, 10% off your first month (affiliate link). Watch more from Kati on YouTube Kati's website: katimorton.com Education only, not a replacement for therapy. In crisis? Call or text 988 (US). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices