Morbid Dependency: A Review of the Literature
Abstract
Morbid dependency is a psychological disorder characterized by an excessive reliance on one or more persons for emotional support and decision-making. It is an understudied phenomenon, with little research focused on its epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. This review provides an overview of the current literature on morbid dependency, including its definition, epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. Findings from the current literature indicate that morbid dependency is associated with a variety of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, aggression, substance use, and eating disorders. The etiology of morbid dependency is likely multifactorial, with potential contributions from genetics, environment, and developmental history. There is also evidence that morbid dependency is related to dysfunctional attachment styles and personality traits, such as low self-esteem and poor impulse control. Finally, the literature suggests that interventions such as psychotherapy, family therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy may be effective in treating morbid dependency.
Keywords: Morbid dependency, mental health, attachment, treatment
Introduction
Morbid dependency is a psychological disorder characterized by an excessive reliance on one or more persons for emotional support and decision-making (Guggenheim, 2016). It is an understudied phenomenon, with little research focused on its epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. Individuals with morbid dependency may be overly dependent on a romantic partner, parent, or other family member, and often have difficulty making decisions without their input or approval. This reliance can lead to increased feelings of helplessness and isolation, as well as associated mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, aggression, substance use, and eating disorders.
The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the current literature on morbid dependency, including its definition, epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. Findings from the current literature suggest that morbid dependency is associated with a variety of mental health problems, and that its etiology is likely multifactorial. Furthermore, the literature suggests that interventions such as psychotherapy, family therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy may be effective in treating morbid dependency.
Definition
Morbid dependency is a psychological disorder characterized by an excessive reliance on one or more persons for emotional support and decision-making (Guggenheim, 2016). Individuals with morbid dependency often have difficulty functioning independently, and tend to rely heavily on the opinions and advice of their attachment figures. This reliance can lead to increased feelings of helplessness and isolation, as well as associated mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, aggression, substance use, and eating disorders.
Epidemiology
The prevalence of morbid dependency is difficult to determine, as it has not been studied extensively in the literature. However, findings from a study by Kohn et al. (2012) suggest that the disorder is relatively common, with approximately 7.5% of individuals surveyed reporting an excessive reliance on their attachment figures. Other studies have suggested that morbid dependency is particularly common among individuals with certain psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety (Guggenheim, 2016; Kohn et al., 2012).
Etiology
The etiology of morbid dependency is likely multifactorial, with potential contributions from genetics, environment, and developmental history (Guggenheim, 2016). Research suggests that morbid dependency is associated with dysfunctional attachment styles, such as insecure attachment and anxious-ambivalent attachment (Guggenheim, 2016). Furthermore, there is evidence that morbid dependency is related to certain personality traits, such as low self-esteem, poor impulse control, and difficulty regulating emotions (Kohn et al., 2012).
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of morbid dependency is not fully understood, but research suggests that it is associated with a variety of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, aggression, substance use, and eating disorders (Guggenheim, 2016; Kohn et al., 2012). Furthermore, studies have shown that individuals with morbid dependency have difficulty regulating their emotions, and may be prone to maladaptive behaviors, such as withdrawing from social situations or engaging in reckless or impulsive behaviors (Guggenheim, 2016).
Treatment
The treatment of morbid dependency is complex and often requires a multi-faceted approach. Interventions such as psychotherapy, family therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy have been suggested as potential treatments for the disorder (Guggenheim, 2016). Furthermore, research suggests that antidepressant and antipsychotic medications may be beneficial in certain cases (Kohn et al., 2012).
Conclusion
In conclusion, morbid dependency is a psychological disorder characterized by an excessive reliance on one or more persons for emotional support and decision-making. The current literature suggests that morbid dependency is associated with a variety of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, aggression, substance use, and eating disorders. Furthermore, the etiology of the disorder is likely multifactorial, with potential contributions from genetics, environment, and developmental history. Finally, the literature suggests that interventions such as psychotherapy, family therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy may be effective in treating morbid dependency.
References
Guggenheim, A. (2016). Morbid dependency: A review and conceptual integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 42, 115-125.
Kohn, N., Foster, J., McKeown, S., & Cloninger, C. R. (2012). Morbid dependency in adults: An empirical study of prevalence and correlates. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 200(11), 975-982.