Dimensional clinical personality inventory-2: investigating key factors on the assessment of dependent personality disorder.

Dimensional literature reinforces the relevance of specific Dependent personality disorder (DPD) traits, as submissiveness, insecurity and avoidance of abandonment. In this paper we measured these traits through the Dimensional Clinical Personality Inventory-2 (IDCP-2). This study aims to verify the capacity of IDCP-2 factors to discriminate and predict DPD related symptoms. From a dataset with 4,503, a total of 305 people was divided in three groups: the community group (n = 200), the non-DPD group (N = 84), and the DPD group (n = 21). We administered six factors from IDCP-2, Insecurity, Abandonment Avoidance, Self-devaluation, Submissiveness, Masochism, and Self-driven Hopelessness. Groups comparison were significant, showing high effects in mostly cases. Multiple regression analysis showed the best predictors of the groups, i.e. Abandonment Avoidance and Self-driven Hopelessness. The findings of this study demonstrate that IDCP-2 covers the core traits of DPD, therefore, being a valid and applicable measure to discriminate DPD, which is particularly relevant in clinical settings. Although our findings suggested two factors as the most relevant measures to discriminant DPD patients from non-DPD/community samples, we did not suggest the restrict use of the Abandonment Avoidance and Self-driven Hopelessness factors for DPD screening. Limitations of the study were discussed.

A Big Five facet analysis of sub-clinical dependent personality disorder (Dutifulness).

This study aimed to examine a Big Five, normal personality trait, "bright side" analysis of a sub-clinical personality disorder: Dependency Personality Disorder. Around 6000 British adults completed the NEO-PI-R which measures the Big Five personality factors at the domain and the facet level. They also completed the Hogan Development Survey (HDS) which has a measure of sub-clinical Dependency Personality Disorder called Dutiful as one of its eleven dysfunctional interpersonal tendencies. Correlation and regression results confirmed many of the associations between the Big Five domains and facets and sub-clinical Dependency. The Dutiful (Dependent) scale from the HDS was the criterion variable in all analyses. The results showed that those high on Dutiful are highly unstable Neurotic, Agreeable people who are low on Openness. They are Anxious, Compliant, Self-Conscious, Unassertive and Vulnerable. It is thus possible to assess subclinical personality disorder "dark-side" traits, like Dutifulness, in terms of normal "bright-side" traits. Limitations of the study are acknowledged.

Assessment of dependency by the FFDI: Comparisons to the PID-5 and maladaptive agreeableness.

The present study explores the validity of the Five Factor Dependency Inventory (FFDI), a measure of dependent personality traits from the perspective of the five factor model, examined across three separate samples and two studies. The first study examined the FFDI with respect to the traits assigned to assess dependent personality disorder (DPD) by the DSM-5 work group, two measures of DSM-IV-TR DPD and three measures of dependent traits, sampling 184 Mechanical Turk participants and 83 students (the latter oversampled for DPD features). Based on responses from an additional 137 students, the second study investigated the role of maladaptive agreeableness in dependency by examining the FFDI in relation to the interpersonal circumplex using three alternative measures. Discriminant validity was provided with respect to DSM-5 traits and the interpersonal circumplex. Incremental validity was provided with respect to the ability of the FFDI to account for variance within DPD measures beyond the variance explained by DSM-5 traits. Implications for the assessment of dependency and the proposed DSM-5 dimensional trait model are discussed.

Alcohol-Dependent Subjects Show Different Personality Traits Compared With Subjects With Multiple Substance Dependence: Preliminary Data.

METHODS: We compared personality traits of 27 persons with multiple substance dependence with personality data of 52 alcohol-dependent persons regarding their personality traits and disorders (obtained by using SCID-II, TCI and NEO FFI). Both patient groups were free of any other mental disorder. RESULTS: In SKD-II, we found significant differences in the male group in dependent and scizotypic personality disorder. There were no significant differences in the female group, but sample was very small. We also found significant differences between alcohol-dependent and multiple substance-dependent persons in extraversion and novelty seeking. CONCLUSIONS: We detected significant differences in personality disorders evaluated by SCID-II. Temperament and character items­as evaluated by NEO FFI and TCI­showed also significant differences in personality traits. Given the limited number of subjects, the data should be regarded as preliminary until replicated in a larger sample. Nevertheless, the findings may be of clinical relevance with respect to prognosis or individualized treatment. These findings should be treated with caution until replicated.

Relationship between alexithymia and dependent personality disorder: a dimensional analysis.

The present study had two aims and used two different samples. The first aim was to determine if alexithymia and dependent personality disorder (DPD) are distinct or overlapping constructs. The second aim was to determine the specificity and the stability of the relationship between alexithymia and DPD. The first study used exploratory principal components analysis (PCA) in a sample of 477 non-clinical subjects who completed three questionnaires measuring alexithymia (Twenty item Toronto Alexithymia Scale, i.e. TAS-20), dependent personality disorder (Dependent Personality Questionnaire, i.e. DPQ) and depression (Beck Depression Inventory-II, i.e. BDI-II). The second study used a sample of 305 subjects consecutively admitted to an outpatient department of legal medicine. The subjects completed (at admission and 3 months later) the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV, screen questionnaire (SCID-II-SQ), the TAS-20 and the BDI. Multiple regressions were done. For the first study, the PCA yielded a four-factor solution with no overlap of the significant factor loadings for the items from each scale and with the factors corresponding to their respective construct. For the second study, multiple regressions showed that only avoidant personality disorder was an independent predictor of the TAS-20 scores. Alexithymia is a construct that is distinct and separate from DPD and depression. Alexithymia is not a stable feature of DPD while it is a core feature of avoidant personality disorder.

Dependent personality disorder: a critical review.

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) has evolved from an abstract idea rooted in a historic and psychoanalytic context to a codified diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR. This comprehensive review paper chronicles the evolution of DPD through each version of the DSM. Major topics relevant to the disorder are also investigated, including gender and cultural considerations, stability and manifestations of DPD across different developmental stages, comorbidity issues, and others. The purpose of this review is to provide a broad yet comprehensive examination of the complex angles of maladaptive dependency and to identify essential next steps in furthering our knowledge of this disorder. The paper concludes with a discussion of shortcomings in the body of research relevant to DPD, along with specific suggestions for improvement in this field of study.

Measuring IPDE-SQ personality disorder prevalence in pre-sentence and early-stage prison populations, with sub-type estimates.

Understanding the prevalence and type of personality disorder within prison systems allows for the effective targeting of resources to implement strategies to alleviate symptoms, manage behaviour and attempt to reduce re-offending. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of personality disorder (PD) traits within a local urban high-turnover adult male prison with a remand/recently sentenced population in London, UK. The International Personality Disorder Examination - Screening Questionnaire (IPDE-SQ) self-administered questionnaire (ICD-10 version) was completed by 283 prisoners (42% completion rate). 77% of respondents reached the threshold for one or more PDs. The most common PD types were Paranoid PD (44.5%), Anankastic PD (40.3%), Schizoid PD (35%) and Dissocial PD (25.8%). These results confirm and extend existing knowledge regarding the prevalence of PD in prison populations into a high-turnover, urban, remand population. The stark comparison with community samples indicates that a more equitable standard of service delivery within the criminal justice system, focussing on preventive and early intervention services, is now required.

Influence of dependent personality status on the outcome and health service costs of health anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of dependent personality disturbance as an influence on the cost and clinical outcome of health anxiety. METHOD: In the course of a randomized trial of treatments for patients with high health anxiety over 12 months, we also recorded dependent personality status by two methods: the Personality Assessment Schedule (an observer-rated instrument) and the self-rated Dependent Personality Questionnaire (DPQ), the latter being administered at baseline, six months and 12 months. The two main hypotheses tested were that patients with dependent personality features would have a worse outcome and attract greater health service costs. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients took part in the trial; all had baseline dependent personality data, 44 provided health service costs, and 38 had observer-rated personality assessments. At baseline patients with any personality disorder had higher clinical ratings for health anxiety, and dependent personality disturbance, mainly in the form of personality difficulty, was associated with a worse outcome than those without dependent personalities after correction for baseline differences. The DPQ at a score of 15 successfully identified all patients with dependent personality disorder in both ICD and DSM classifications and showed a significant but relatively modest reduction in scores of 1.5 (13%) during the course of the 12-month trial. Costs in those separated by personality status showed those with dependent personality incurred 45% more health service costs than those without these personality characteristics (p = .10). No patient with dependent personality disorder dropped out of treatment compared with 6 out of 38 (16%) of those with no dependence. CONCLUSIONS: The DPQ is probably a reliable instrument for assessing dependent personality characteristics without the need for interview and its scores, unlike many ratings of personality, are stable over time. The findings may have been influenced by different responses to those treated in the trial with cognitive behaviour therapy compared with control treatment.

A five-factor measure of dependent personality traits.

This study provides convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity data for a new measure of dependent personality traits from the perspective of the five-factor model (FFM). Dependent personality trait scales were constructed as maladaptive variants of FFM facets (e.g., Gullibility as a maladaptive variant of FFM trust). Based on responses from 383 undergraduates, the convergent validity of the Five-Factor Dependency Inventory (FFDI) scales was tested with respect to 2 measures of the FFM, 6 dependency trait scales, and 4 measures of dependent personality disorder. Discriminant validity was tested with respect to FFM facets from alternative domains. Incremental validity was tested with respect to the ability of the FFM dependent personality trait scales to account for variance in 2 established measures of dependency, after variance accounted for by respective FFM facet scales and other measures of DPD was first removed. The results of this study provided support for the validity of the FFDI assessment of dependency from the perspective of the FFM.

[Dependent patient and interpersonal dependency: psychotherapeutic strategies]. / Personnalité dépendante et dépendance affective : stratégies psychothérapeutiques.

OBJECTIVES: This article is a review of psychotherapies for patients suffering from dependent personality and interpersonal dependency. METHOD: We synthesized articles making reference to this question, notably those written by Bornstein, author who refers to the dependent personality. We highlighted the psychotherapies that have been the object of an evaluation. The research on the subject is sparse: only eight studies permitting assessment of psychotherapies in this indication in 2005. Besides these psychotherapies, we detailed other approaches which are used by practitioners in these indications. RESULTS: The therapy does not aim at autonomy "at all costs", but that the patient finds a dependence "adapted" to his/her environment. Before starting a therapy, an evaluation is useful to specify the type of dependence. First of all, is there a "pathological" dependence? Is the suffering of the patient secondary to his personality or not supportive enough? Does insight exist? What is the reaction of the patient if we suggest the hypothesis of a dependence on his/her part? Does he/she consider this idea or reject it? Finally, is the dependence primary or secondary? For that purpose, it is necessary to study the biography of the patient and the appearance of the comorbidity over time. The primary dependence is seen in childhood and precedes the other psychological disorders. The secondary dependence follows after the comorbidity and events of life that alter self-esteem (depression, for example). Various therapeutic strategies arise from various currents. The therapies of analytical inspiration recommend replaying the relationship of object and explicitly evoking the transfer. The behavioural and cognitive psychotherapies aim at making the patient identify the cognitions which underlie the dependence, then leading the patient to modify his/her cognition and to behave in a more autonomous way, using the theory of learning. The humanist therapies aim at a therapeutic relationship of acceptance and respect for the patient, so that he/she increases self-esteem and finds autonomy. The brief systemic therapy develops tools to deviate from the relationship of dependence in the therapy. It aims at the change through a modification in the beliefs of the patient. The dependence can be envisaged as a way of adapting itself, of compensating for altered self-esteem. In this way, the psychotherapy must also attempt to restore self-esteem in an implicit or explicit way. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of the type of dependence helps the therapeutic approach. It is necessary to look for the comorbidity and its appearance over time with regard to the dependence. So, in primary dependence, the therapy focuses on the increase of self-esteem. In the secondary dependence, the therapy focuses on the adaptation to this event, the treatment of the mental illness, and then to the accompaniment in restoring and autonomy. If the patient doesn't have insight, it is necessary either to enhance it, or to work in an indirect way.

Factor structure of self-reported clinical disorders and personality disorders: a review of the existing literature and a factor analytical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research is to add to the current understanding of the latent factor structure of personality disorders by performing a review of the existing literature (Study 1) and a factor analytical study on the factor structure and the relationship between self-reported Axis I and Axis II psychopathology (Study 2). DESIGN: The current research (Study 2) is cross-sectional and multicenter. RESULTS: We found support for the assumption that the borderline personality disorder is a multidimensional construct. Second, we found evidence for a single-factor structure of the narcissistic, dependent as well as the avoidant personality disorder. Third, we found support for the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) distinction between Axis I and Axis II, Axis I psychopathology being explained by the factor neuroticism and Axis II disorders to be further subdivided into the higher order factors of internalizing and externalizing pathology. CONCLUSIONS: An adaptation to the current DSM-IV borderline personality criteria should be made, while various findings show that the borderline construct is multidimensional. Second, deletion of the dependent and narcissistic personality in the DSM-V might be unjust. Third, Axis I psychopathology can be explained by the factor neuroticism, and Axis II disorders should be further subdivided into the higher order factors of internalizing and externalizing pathology.

Effects of personality disorder and impulsivity on emotional adaptations in prison among women offenders.

The present study sought to better understand the influence of personality disorders and impulsivity on women's ability to adapt to incarceration. We analyzed the influence of personality disorders as screened with the structured clinical interview for personality disorders, and impulsivity as assessed with the Barratt impulsivity scale on depression and anxiety, sleeping problems, and feeling afraid of being attacked in prison among a large sample of women incarcerated in a Virginia prison. Results from regression models indicated that schizotypal, borderline, avoidant and dependent personality disorders and cognitive impulsivity were significant predictors of symptoms of anxiety and depression net of demographic covariates. Women possessing a diagnosis of paranoid personality disorder were at increased odds of having difficulty sleeping in prison and borderline, dependent, and paranoid personality disorder were at increased odds of experiencing fear in prison. Women who had been in prison before were significantly less likely to experience these problems. Implications of study findings for policies and practices involving women offenders are discussed.

Reconceptualizing personality pathology in DSM-5: limitations in evidence for eliminating dependent personality disorder and other DSM-IV syndromes.

The DSM-5 Personality and Personality Disorders Workgroup proposed that five DSM-IV personality disorders be eliminated as formal diagnostic categories (paranoid, schizoid, histrionic, narcissistic, and dependent), because these syndromes purportedly have low clinical utility and minimal evidence for validity. Scrutiny of studies cited in support of this proposal reveals difficulties in three areas: (1) Inadequate information regarding parameters of the literature search; (2) Mixed empirical support for proposed changes; and (3) Selective attention to certain disorders and not others. Review of validity and clinical utility data related to dependent personality disorder indicates that evidence regarding this syndrome does not differ from that of syndromes proposed for retention in DSM-5. Limitations in the research base cited by the workgroup illuminates gaps in the personality disorder literature, and may serve as a starting point for systematic research on personality pathology so that adequate empirical data are available to decide which syndromes to retain, revise, or remove in future versions of the diagnostic manual.

[Affective dependency and psychiatry: a discord]. / La dépendance affective et la psychiatrie : une mésentente.

INTRODUCTION: The term "loving dependence" is increasingly used by professionals of the relation of help and the patients themselves. It joins in the wider spectre of the interpersonal dependency. More and more patients suffering from this disorder are coming for psychiatric consultation. However, this notion remains vague and absent in the vocabulary of the psychiatrists. Globally, this term describes the functioning of certain patients who present a fear of not being loved and a dependency on another person. The fear of not being loved provokes a fear of abandonment or incites development of strategies to be loved (seduce, help). Dependency on another person is a consequence of the lack of confidence in the capabilities of the individual. The other person reassures them because this person does what the patient is afraid of doing, because he/she does not feel capable. The lack of confidence in own's capabilities can also incite the individual to become a perfectionist and successful. The fear of not being loved and of not being competent is determined partly in the person's childhood. These impressions are real and/or the individuals are hypersensitive. AIM OF THE PAPER: The article describes the emotional, cognitive and behavioural levels, the various types of interpersonal dependency: dependences of type "umbilical cord", "rescuer", "stereotype" and "against dependence". The objective is to specify the concept better on clinical level, with the aim of defining criteria and pathological limits. This is the first stage before beginning rigorous scientific research. The stakes are high. There are relationships with anxiety, depressive disorders, alcoholism, food behaviour disorders, suicide and somatic pathologies. DISCUSSION: Dependency seems to be the consequence of a pathological expression of the normal dimensions of the personality: the need to be loved and valued (admired). The onset of dependency occurs in stages, when the person is weakened by events of life or by depression. The impression not to have been loved and/or valued in childhood is vulnerability. We detail the common points and the differences between the types of described dependences and the diagnostic categories of the DSM. The category-specific classification of the DSM is not adapted to making a diagnosis in these patients. To diagnose a pathological personality, the patient has to be constantly in a functioning of pathological intensity, which is not still the case. This is a real problem, because these clinical situations are very frequent. We defend a dimensional approach of the personality disorders. A meeting between the psychiatry and the relationally dependent person is possible, on one hand in a dimensional classification of personality disorders and, on the other, by working on self-esteem. The relational dependency and self-esteem share the same appearances and the same causes. There are two different names from the same identity.

Separation anxiety disorder in OCD.

BACKGROUND: A history of separation anxiety disorder (SAD) is frequently reported by patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The purpose of this study was to determine if there are clinical differences between OCD-affected individuals with, versus without, a history of SAD. METHODS: Using data collected during the OCD Collaborative Genetic Study, we studied 470 adult OCD participants; 80 had a history of SAD, whereas 390 did not. These two groups were compared as to onset and severity of OCD, lifetime prevalence of Axis I disorders, and number of personality disorder traits. RESULTS: OCD participants with a history of SAD were significantly younger than the non-SAD group (mean, 34.2 versus 42.2 years; P<.001). They had an earlier age of onset of OCD symptoms (mean, 8.0 versus 10.5 years; P<.003) and more severe OCD, as measured by the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (mean, 27.5 versus 25.0; P<.005). In addition, those with a history of SAD had a significantly greater lifetime prevalence of agoraphobia (odds ratio (OR) = 2.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4-4.6, P<.003), panic disorder (OR = 1.84, CI = 1.03-3.3 P<.04), social phobia (OR = 1.69, CI 1.01-2.8, P<.048), after adjusting for age at interview, age at onset of OCD, and OCD severity in logistic regression models. There was a strong relationship between the number of dependent personality disorder traits and SAD (adjusted OR = 1.42, CI = 1.2-1.6, P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: A history of SAD is associated with anxiety disorders and dependent personality disorder traits in individuals with OCD.

Dependent personality disorder and physical abuse.

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the likelihood of physical spousal abuse is increased in dependent personality disorder (DPD) compared to other personality disorders. The sample consisted of 305 subjects consecutively admitted to an outpatient department of legal medicine for physical abuse. Using the Structured Clinical Interview for Disorders, screen questionnaire (SCID-II-SQ), the subjects were divided into three groups: without personality disorders (WPD, N=108), with non-dependent personality disorders (NDPD, N=179) and with DPDs (DPD, N=18). First,, the three groups were compared to the rate of spouses among the perpetrators. The rate of spouses among the perpetrators was significantly different between the three groups: 44.4% of the perpetrators were the spouse for DPD subjects versus 11.2% for WPD and 20.1% for NDPD. Second, logistic regressions using the status of perpetrators (spouse or others) as dependent variable and socio-demographical variables as well as the rates of DPD, avoidant, obsessive-compulsive and borderline personality disorders as independent variables reported that these four disorders of personality were significant predictors. Moreover, the co-morbidities of DPD with avoidant, obsessive-compulsive or borderline personality disorders were higher than 50%. These results suggest first that DPD subjects are at high risk of physical abuse by their spouses and second that this relationship was found also for the two other cluster C personality disorders as well as for borderline personality disorder.

Passive-submissive and active-emotional trait dependency: evidence for a two-factor model.

Dependency plays an important role in both normal and abnormal personality, but the construct remains loosely defined, both in clinical practice and the research literature. Moreover, although a number of measures purport to measure trait dependency, little agreement exists as to the structure of dependency within or across these instruments. Furthermore, what constitutes the low end of trait dependency remains unclear. Five hundred nine undergraduates completed a battery of 14 dependency scales and subscales, a subset of whom (n=322) also completed a broad measure of personality pathology (SNAP-2). Exploratory factor analysis of the dependency measures yielded two correlated factors-Passive-Submissive and Active-Emotional dependency-as well as a third, unrelated factor, Detachment/Autonomy, all with differential correlates to the pathological personality traits of the SNAP-2. Taken together, these data suggest a clear, 2-factor model for trait dependency that is distinct from detachment/autonomy.

[The Dependent Personality Questionnaire (DPQ): French translation and validation study in a population of 138 hospitalized psychiatric patients]. / Le questionnaire de personnalité dépendante (QPD) : traduction française et étude de validation dans une population de 138 patients psychiatriques hospitalisés.

INTRODUCTION: Dependent personality disorder is a new diagnosis introduced in the third version of the DSM (DSM-III). Contrary to other disorders of personality, as the borderline or the schizotypal personalities, there are no specific interviews or questionnaires focusing on dependent personality. Thus the study of dependent personality disorder requires the use of global interviews or questionnaire as the SCID -II or SIDP-IV. Recently, Tyrer and colleagues (2004) have proposed an 8-item questionnaire, the DPQ (Dependent Personality Questionnaire). Each item of the DPQ is rated from 0 to 3 with a total score ranging from 0 to 24. Using a sample of 30 psychiatric patients presenting various diagnoses and a dependent personality disorder for the half of the sample, the authors have determined the cutoff score allowing the diagnosis of DSM-IV Dependent Personality Disorder. A cutoff of 10 was associated with the best sensitivity (87.5%), specificity (87.5%) and positive predictive value (87.5%). Moreover, the value of the Youden coefficient (Sensitivity+Specificity - 100) was 75. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to present the French version of the DPQ and to determine its psychometric properties as well as the cutoff score. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-eight psychiatric inpatients (97 females, 41 males) with a mean age of 42.26 years were included in the study. The patients were hospitalized in an inpatients unit receiving mood disorders, neurotic disorders or suicide attempters. The subjects filled out the French versions of the DPQ and the Personality Disorders Questionnaire of Hyler, PDQ-4+. Using the PDQ-4+ two groups were built: 25 subjects filled out the diagnoses of dependent personality disorder and 20 subjects did not meet any criteria of dependent personality disorder. Then, for different values of the DPQ, sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value and Youden indicia (Sensitivity+Specificity - 100) were calculated. RESULTS: The best values of Youden indicia (74) were obtained for the cutoff of 13 on the DPQ. The corresponding sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value were respectively 84, 90 and 91.3%. CONCLUSION: The French version of the DPQ is now available and permits detection of dependent personality in French populations. LIMITATIONS: Our results must be replicated using structured interviews of personality disorder instead of questionnaires (PDQ-4+) and other samples with different prevalence of dependent personality disorders must be used to test the potential cutoff scores of the DPQ.

Interpersonal dependency in borderline personality disorder: clinical context and empirical evidence.

Personality theorists and practicing clinicians agree that high levels of interpersonal dependency play a role in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and this link has been codified in several editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Although there is widespread agreement that dependency is linked to BPD, there has never been a systematic review of empirical evidence bearing on this issue. This article reviews research in three areas: (1) the comorbidity of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD) and BPD; (2) the association between trait dependency and BPD; and (3) differences in free-response (i.e., Rorschach) dependency scores in BPD and non-BPD patients. Results support DSM assertions of DPD-BPD comorbidity, confirm that high levels of trait dependency are associated with BPD traits and symptoms, and show that high levels of implicit dependency needs are present in BPD-diagnosed inpatients, but not BPD outpatients. Theoretical, clinical, and empirical implications of these patterns are discussed.