In a newer definition, Roetzel (2019) focuses on time and resources aspects. (1999) said that if input exceeds the processing capacity, information overload occurs, which is likely to reduce the quality of the decisions. The term 'information overload' was first used as early as 1962 by scholars in management and information studies, including in Bertram Gross' 1964 book, The Managing of Organizations, and was further popularized by Alvin Toffler in his bestselling 1970 book Future Shock. Information overload (also known as infobesity, infoxication, information anxiety, and information explosion ) is the difficulty in understanding an issue and effectively making decisions when one has too much information (TMI) about that issue, and is generally associated with the excessive quantity of daily information. Is unrealistically preoccupied with fears of being left to take care of themself.Decision making with too much information Urgently seeks another relationship as a source of care and support when a close re& shy lationship ends. Goes to excessive lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, to the point of volunteering to do things that are unpleasant.įeels uncomfortable or helpless when alone because of exaggerated fears of being unable to care for themself. 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). (Note: Does not include realistic fears of retribution.) Has difficulty expressing disagreement with others because of fear of loss of support or approval. Needs others to assume responsibility for most major areas of their life. Has difficulty making everyday decisions without an excessive amount of advice and reassurance from others. Other signs and symptoms, as cataloged by the DSM-5:Ī 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: They may belittle themselves and their abilities and frequently refer to themselves as stupid. They may feel devastated by loss and separation, and they may even suffer abuse to stay in a relationship. People with this disorder do not trust their own ability to make decisions and feel that others are more equipped. The condition is inflexible, maladaptive, and can cause dysfunction and distress. Individuals with this disorder feel uncomfortable or helpless when alone, because of their exaggerated fears of being unable to care for themselves. They may go to extreme lengths to obtain nurturance and support from others, even to the point of volunteering for unpleasant tasks if such behavior will bring the care that they need. Individuals with this disorder find it difficult to initiate projects or work independently. They feel so unable to function alone that they will agree with things that they feel are wrong rather than risk losing the help of those to whom they look for guidance. These individuals seek support and approval, and therefore cannot express opinions or disagreement, especially with those they are dependent on. Adolescents with this disorder may allow a parent to decide the clothes to wear, with whom they should associate, how they should spend their free time, and what school or college to attend. Adults with this disorder typically depend on a parent or spouse to decide where they should live, what kind of job they should have, and which people to befriend. These individuals tend to be passive and allow other people (normally one other person) to take the initiative and assume responsibility for most major areas of their lives. Individuals with dependent personality disorder have great difficulty making everyday decisions (such as what clothes to wear) without excessive advice and reassurance from others. The dependent and submissive behaviors are designed to elicit caregiving and arise from a self-perception of being unable to function adequately without the help of others. This pattern begins by early adulthood and is present in a variety of contexts. His or her emotional and physical needs are dependent on the people to whom he or she is closest.ĭependent personality disorder is a pervasive and excessive need to be cared for that leads to submissive and clinging behavior as well as fears of separation. An individual with dependent personality suffers from neediness that is marked by an over-reliance on others.

Difficulty making decisions synonym