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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:
- has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive
amount of advice and reassurance from others
- needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of
his or her life
- has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of
fear of loss of support or approval. Note: Do not include
realistic fears of retribution.
- 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)
- goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support
from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are
unpleasant
- feels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of
exaggerated fears of being unable to care for himself or herself
- urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and
support when a close relationship ends
- is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to
take care of himself or herself
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