Dependent Personality Disorder and Its Gender Differences

Abstract

This article mainly focuses on the overview of dependent personality disorder as well as its gender differences, incorporating its definition, distribution, some reasons for gender difference in prevalence rate, impacts, treatments, and recommendations for future development. In the literature review section, the definition and features of DPD are firstly illustrated. According to DSM-5, dependency and submissiveness are summarized as two main traits of this disorder. Then, the distribution characteristics of age and sex of personality disorders are introduced and the findings of gender differences in DPDs prevalence rate are special and significant. To provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment, the reasons for this gender difference have been discussed. In terms of previous studies, the causes can be summarized into two broad categories, namely factors related to measurement and factors for the real difference. Additionally, I clarify its impacts on individuals including physical abuse and occupational functioning and consider gender factors. Subsequently, some useful treatment methods are discussed. Recommendations at the end provided directions for future investigation. Overall, readers can have a more comprehensive understanding of this personality disorder and its gender differences after reading this paper.