[From American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4th ed. Text rev. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; copyright 2000.] ...
A pervasive and excessive need to be taken care of that leads to submissive and clinging behavior and fears of separation, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
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has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others
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needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of his or her life
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has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. Note: Do not include realistic fears of retribution
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has difficulty initiating projects or doing things on his or her own (because of a lack of self-confidence in judgment or abilities rather than a lack of motivation or energy)
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goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant
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feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself
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urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close relationship ends
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is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of himself or herself
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