The exact cause of dependent personality disorder is still unknown; however, it likely involves a combination of developmental, biological, temperamental, and psychological factors. Many researchers believe in an authoritarian or overprotective parenting style will often lead to the development of dependent personality traits in individuals who are susceptible to dependent personality disorder. To be diagnosed with dependent personality disorder, doctors must be able to distinguish whether you have a dependent personality disorder and not a borderline personality disorder, as the two share many common symptoms. With borderline personality disorder, you often fear abandonment but have feelings of fear with a submissiveness that continuously needs to seek out another relationship to maintain your dependency. If most or almost all of the symptoms of dependent personality disorder are present, our doctors will begin to evaluate further through a medical, psychiatric history review, and a basic physical exam.