Tennessee Mental Health Treatment for Dependent Personality Disorder

A dependent personality disorder (DPD)is a need to be surrounded by others. This brings individual comfort. They live in fear of abandonment. However, it is less about the companionship of others and more about others validating one’s presence.

Living with a personality disorder is a daily challenge. The complications include unstable moods, negative self-image, and the inability to maintain healthy relationships. Even though most people act on impulse or have angry outbursts, people with personality disorders experience this frequently. 

TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health’s dependent personality disorder treatment center in Murfreesboro, TN, understand the necessary steps to get your life back in control. As a primary mental health treatment center, we know that personality disorders are mental health conditions represented by ongoing behavior pattern changes, lack of cognitive awareness, and turmoil of internal experiences. These characteristics usually do not align with society’s expectations of a stable quality of life.

People with personality disorders experience distress and impairment that makes daily functions difficult. As a result, work, school, and personal obligations can suffer or be impossible to complete. We want to help you regain the self-confidence to live a fulfilling and independent life.

Why Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment is Important

Individuals can exhibit any of the symptoms of a personality disorder at different points in life. However, when you constantly need a loved one or someone with you to complete daily tasks, the inability to live without dependency is a disorder.

9.1% of the U.S. population meets the criteria for at least one personality disorder. While that might seem small, that represents more than 3.3 million people. You might have a friend or relative who seems too clingy or constantly trying to tag along, even if all the signs tell them you don’t want the companionship. There is a chance they are exhibiting the symptoms of DPD.

Medical professionals find it challenging to diagnose young kids with personality disorders. This is because there are developmental milestones that haven’t been reached yet. However, the pattern of tendencies becomes more apparent by adolescence and into early adulthood. This is the range for most diagnoses. 

Like most mental health disorders, personality disorders are usually not diagnosed in isolation. Mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders (SUD) are the most common conditions associated with personality disorders. Individuals with eating disorders also tend to have a form of mental illness.

Other Types of Personality Disorders

Antisocial personality disorder forces individuals not to feel remorse for their actions against others. Some common tendencies are to lie, behave violently, and suffer from a substance abuse disorder (SUD). 

Avoidant personality disorder causes individuals to internalize the actions of others as a personal attack against their character. The fear of rejection and loneliness can make daily life difficult.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) causes pervasive instability in social relationships, self-image, and mood. BPD can also cause individuals to risk impulsive actions without fear of harm or consequence. Individuals with BPD may also struggle with anger management and engage in self-harm or suicidal behavior and feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.

Histrionic personality disorder is the need to be praised and complemented consistently. Even if the person hasn’t done anything remarkable, they feel empowered by recognition.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder is similar to histrionic personality disorder in that the need for praise is constant. However, narcissistic individuals brag about themselves to others to the point of obsession. Regardless of how big or small an accomplishment, task, or deed they complete, they will share with others. 

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder has similarities to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Rather than a fixation on the perfection of objects or daily routines, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder is self-perfection. This can result in obsessing over physical appearance, a rigid or stubborn personality when working with others, and preoccupation with self-control and perception.

Paranoid personality disorder causes individuals to distrust or constantly worry about others’ thoughts, feelings, and actions. These behaviors are present even if the individual has established long-term relationships.

Schizoid personality disorder differs from other personality disorders in that individuals refrain from developing attachments with others. They cannot establish an emotional connection with others, including family members.

Schizotypal personality disorder creates a fictional world in the mind of individuals. They believe in a magical existence and think they are clairvoyant. 

Why Choose Us for Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment?

Treatment is the first step in controlling the symptoms if you or someone you know might have a dependent personality disorder. Individuals need medical support from professionals who understand their condition and pre-existing medical issues. 

For some, managing the symptoms alone isn’t possible. That’s why seeking support from a treatment team who can develop a course of action is vital. Working collaboratively with each individual, treatment facilities can create a personalized plan to assist in long-term recovery. Through proper medication, therapy, and support, individuals with a personality disorder can manage their symptoms, improve self-esteem, avoid consistent negative thoughts, and learn coping skills to feel more grounded to complete daily functions.

Our mission is to provide the highest quality of recovery education that provides the tools to support transformation in each life we serve, restoring their heart and mind for their soul to receive healing and find a life filled with purpose. We do this through our treatment options and everyday decisions we make in strides to support those with a diagnosis of DPD.

Our Approach to Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment

Evidence-based practices are beneficial because they provide a framework for treatment. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has studied, evaluated, and approved these practices. As a result, these practices have received scientific validation. They are proven to help individuals recover from dependent personality disorder. 

At TRUE, we believe in providing therapeutic mental health treatments. Our goal is to get to the bottom of the causes of dependent personality. Once we do, we help our clients learn decision-making and coping skills for long-term recovery.

Life Coaching

Life coaching is a form of support and guidance for our clients recovering from DPD. Life coaches work with clients to help them create a fulfilling and purposeful life in recovery. While therapists and counselors focus on addressing the psychological aspects of DPD during individual therapy sessions, our life coaches focus on practical strategies and skills to support clients in rebuilding their lives. These skills can continue to be applied long into recovery.

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that combines eye movements and other sensory stimulation to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. EMDR is proven to help individuals reduce cravings and improve their mental health.

EMDR Therapy can reduce anxiety, depression, and fear associated with overcoming DPD to identify and work through underlying issues that may have contributed to the borderline personality disorder diagnosis. This therapy can be used alongside other types of treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, individual counseling, and group therapy, to form a well-rounded treatment plan.

Holistic Therapy

Holistic therapy is an alternative treatment service that focuses on the whole person and not just specific symptoms related to BPD. Our healthcare therapists and mental health professionals consider our clients’ physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being, allowing them to develop balance and coping skills.

We use several holistic therapy services.

• Acupuncture therapy: The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. The therapist will determine where to place the needles based on individual needs. Once they do, the energy flow, known as Qi (pronounced “chee”), follows pathways throughout the body to restore balance and promote health and well-being.
• Animal therapy: Interactions between humans and animals stimulate physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being. We use horses that are domesticated and trained for therapy purposes. We incorporate them into various therapeutic settings to facilitate positive outcomes for individuals.
• Creative outlets: Art therapy, dance, music therapy, and journaling allow our clients to explore their thoughts and feelings using hands-on methods rather than resulting in avoidant behaviors. These outlets foster creative expression and are helpful for individuals who have trouble expressing themselves otherwise. As a result, individuals become better equipped to manage emotional triggers.
• Physical movement: This holistic treatment improves physical and mental health while promoting emotional, cognitive, physical, and social blending. Our clients find the confidence to engage in a successful recovery.
• Yoga: Yoga is a therapeutic practice that alleviates the symptoms of BPD because of its positive impact on mental health. We combine physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, customized to each client’s needs, to encourage our clients to be in the present moment. Our guided meditation facilitates peaceful visualizations and leads to a state of reduced stress and peace.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) helps individuals understand unhelpful thoughts that can lead to negative emotions or behaviors. REBT focuses on the moment and what a person is feeling. Our therapists use this form of psychiatry to help you form new ways of approaching challenges, thoughts, and circumstances. The root of the adverse emotions is addressed so that self-sabotaging behavior can taper off.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) makes individuals aware of attention and concentration problems. It improves their organization and time management. They can break down tasks easier to manage their daily lives. CBT builds confidence and controls impulsive behavior. Individuals with DPD gain confidence and can control impulsive and risky behaviors.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) helps individuals participate in their therapy. We recommend DBT as a treatment for DPD because it is effective. DBT combines CBT, mindfulness, and acceptance strategies. DBT teaches essential skills for managing emotions, impulsive behavior, and relationships. Individuals set goals, track progress, and make decisions about their treatment.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Motivational interviewing is a helpful approach for individuals struggling with DPD. Motivational interviewing involves a non-judgemental and empathetic conversation with a therapist to help increase our clients’ motivation to change their behaviors. By exploring each individual’s values, goals, and concerns, the approach identifies and reinforces self-determination to begin making more positive changes.

With guidance, clients gain insights into their behavioral patterns, develop coping skills to reduce their use, and work toward recovery. With this approach, clients have the majority ownership in the recovery process as they work to achieve personal goals.

Our Dependent Personality Disorder Treatment Programs

For individuals struggling with DPD, we offer comprehensive programs that target all aspects of recovery.

Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Inpatient programs aren’t always required or serve the needs of every individual. For people with an involved support system at home, an intensive outpatient program better meets their needs. Personality disorder treatment centers understand the importance of family in people’s lives. Because of that, many offer an intensive outpatient program (IOP). 

This program suits individuals who do not need around-the-clock care. This option is typically designed for individuals moving out of PHP. Most IOPs meet 3-4 days weekly for 3-5 hours, giving women time to return to their daily obligations. 

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

A partial hospitalization program (PHP) can benefit patients needing more than outpatient care without 24/7 inpatient treatment. PHPs help individuals by providing a safe and structured environment with access to medical supervision, including psychotherapy, one-on-one and individual therapy, support groups, and medication management when needed.

Individuals in this program can access care during the day and return home in the evenings to continue their routines. They can practice positive lifestyle changes and build social connections in a supportive community.

Sober Living Program

Our sober living program is ideal for those who need to be surrounded by a support system for people with similar disorders. Our drug-free housing is close to our treatment facilities for convenience.

For most clients, sober living homes are the next step following release from an inpatient program. Sober living homes provide a highly structured program overseen by our treatment team. We offer four levels of sober living.

• Peer-Run
• Monitored
• Supervised
• Integrated Therapies

Symptoms of Dependent Personality Disorder

Individuals with DPD can live a better quality of life with the proper support. Early intervention and treatment are necessary for this to happen. 

Below are some common signs to be aware of:

• Emotional instability is where changes can occur within the same day or even same occasion
• Broken relationships for no real reason that were previously stable
• Inflicting self-harm or suicidal behavior regarding thoughts, actions, and plans
• Engaging in impulsive and risky behaviors
• Struggling with personal identity or understanding a sense of self and self-awareness
• Patterns of self-destructive behaviors, beliefs, or actions 
• The consistent need to feel a sense of submissiveness toward others
• Excessive demand to be surrounded by others, even at the inconvenience of the other person

Get the Help You Deserve

Even though living with dependent personality disorder can be difficult, learning coping skills to manage the symptoms can improve health, daily functions, and social relationships. The goal is to build healthier relationships and become self-reliant.

Take the first step by contacting TRUE Addiction and Behavioral Health. You will gain access to a welcoming treatment center, support groups, and resources to help you begin the journey to recovery and an overall healthy lifestyle.