Is excessive dependence on someone a psychological illness?

Overreliance on a person may be a manifestation of a dependent personality disorder, but it can also be a temporary psychological state. The diagnosis of dependent personality disorder requires specific psychological symptom criteria, while ordinary interpersonal dependence is a common psychological phenomenon. When there is a brief emotional or behavioral dependence in daily life, it usually does not belong to the category of diseases. This phenomenon may stem from feelings of loneliness, lack of security, or major life changes, manifested as frequent seeking of others' decisions, fear of being abandoned, and difficulty being alone. This state often alleviates with self-regulation or environmental changes, and cultivating independent interests and establishing diverse social relationships can help improve dependence. When dependent behavior persists and seriously affects social functioning, the possibility of dependent personality disorder needs to be considered. Patients typically exhibit symptoms such as extreme obedience, excessive tolerance for abusive behavior, and inability to live normally after leaving their partners. This type of situation is often related to childhood experiences such as overprotection and emotional neglect, and may be accompanied by anxiety or depression disorders. The standard diagnosis needs to be confirmed by a psychiatrist through clinical interviews and psychological assessments. Strengthening self-awareness training is an important way to improve both temporary and pathological dependent personality disorders. You can try recording successful experiences of autonomous decision-making, gradually expanding the scope of independent activities, and conducting appropriate social skills training. When the situation is severe, it is recommended to seek professional help from a psychological counselor or psychiatrist. Cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy have a good effect on improving dependent behavior.