Diagnosis of DPD Clinical criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition [DSM-5]) For a diagnosis of dependent personality disorder, patients must have A persistent, excessive need to be taken of, resulting in submissiveness and clinging This persistent need is shown by the presence of ≥ 5 of the following: Difficulty making daily decisions without an inordinate amount of advice and reassurance from other people A need to have others be responsible for most important aspects of their life Difficulty expressing disagreement with others because they fear loss of support or approval Difficulty starting projects on their own because they are not confident in their judgment and / or abilities (not because they lack motivation or energy) Willingness to go to great lengths (eg, do unpleasant tasks) to obtain support from others Feelings of discomfort or helplessness when they are alone because they fear they cannot take care of themselves An urgent need to establish a new relationship with someone who will provide care and support when a close relationship ends Unrealistic preoccupation with fears of being left to take care of themselves Also, symptoms must have begun by early adulthood.