| December 1, 2007 | Keeping An Open Mind |
|
||
|
||
|
If you try looking up the term “Codependent" in a diagnostic manual or psychiatric handbook you will not find it. In fact you will not find it listed on the National Institute of Mental Health website or in any other psychiatric or psychological reference dealing with psychiatric disorders. The term codependency differs from depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder and others in that it is meant to describe a style of behavior in a relationship rather than a psychiatric disorder. The term “codependent or codependency” came out of the recovery community (Alcoholics Anonymous) sometime in late 1970’s and was used to describe a type of dysfunctional relationship between addicts and their partners (enablers). Over time it has probably become one of the most well known terms in the popular psychology lexicon. In this month’s Newsletter I write about codependency in an effort to clear up some of the confusion about the subject. |
What Is Codependency?
The term codependency was originally coined by researchers studying the dynamics of alcohol addiction in families. It became clear to those who worked with alcoholics (see Alcoholism newsletter) and their families that there was a very unhealthy two-way dependency created when a family member was addicted to alcohol. Since then the term codependency has been expanded and used to descri... |
|
Are You Codependent?
The following is a list of characteristics that codependents often exhibit. You may be codependent if three or more of these fit your personality. |
 |
