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Dependent Personality Disorder involves an unusual and pervasive psychological dependence upon other people.  It is as if the sufferer is unable to function without the support people around him or her, much as a small child might be unable to make decisions and take care of self without help from older people on whom the child is dependent.

DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for this disorder includes the presence of five or more of the following behavior patterns:

1. Has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others
2. Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life
3. Has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval (this does not include realistic fears of retribution)
4. Has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy)
5. Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant
6. Feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself
7. Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends
8. Is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself

Dependent Personality Disorder Web Sites

Wikipedia: Dependent Personality Disorder

American Journal of Psychiatry articles on PDs other than Borderline and Antisocial