tion alone that they will agree with things that they feel are wrong rather than risk losing
the help of those to whom they look for guidance. They do not get appropriately angry at
others whose support and nurturance they need for fear of alienating them. If the individ-
ual’s concerns regarding the consequences of expressing disagreement are realistic (e.g.,
realistic fears of retribution from an abusiv e spouse), the behavior should not be consid-
ered to be evidence of dependent personality disorder.
Individuals with this disorder have difficulty initiating projects or doing things inde-
pendently (Criterion 4). They lack self-confidence and believe that they need help to begin
and carry through tasks. They will wait for othe rs to start things because they believe that
as a rule others can do them better. These in dividuals are convinced that they are incapable
of functioning independently and present them selves as inept and requiring constant as-
sistance. They are, however, lik ely to function adequately if given the assurance that some-
one else is supervising and approving. There ma y be a fear of becoming or appearing to be
more competent, because they may believe that this will lead to abandonment. Because
they rely on others to handle their problems, they often do not learn the skills of indepen-
dent living, thus perpetuating dependency.
Individuals with dependent personality disord er may go to excessive lengths to obtain
nurturance and support from others, even to  the point of volunteering for unpleasant
tasks if such behavior will bring the care they  need (Criterion 5). They are willing to submit
to what others want, even if the demands are unreasonable. Their need to maintain an im-
portant bond will often re sult in imbalanced or distorted relationships. They may make ex-