Do you think she has DPD?

We've been noticing my sister for being a bit clingy, submissive and "people pleaser"... Sometimes she cannot do anything on her own and she always want to assure that we are taking care of her.. She's only 10 years old, do you think she has DPD or this is just normal at her age now?

I am extremely critical, and I have noticed similar things in my little sister for quite some time as well. I would say my sister, for one thing, might have the presence of a developing inadequate personality disorder. She is "smart" enough to get through school well, but she is literally as perceptive as a french fry. She doesn't notice when people are making fun of her, she doesn't notice that her clothing is abnormally out of style, she doesn't really have any friends but she doesn't really crave attachments. Even when she is asked about her own opinion, she will speak with hesitation for fear of being scolded or corrected. If she hears a song on the radio she likes, she will say "This song is kind of good.." Even if she is really enthusiastic. This is all because of our mom being so rigid in her beliefs, and temperamental, that my sister's mind has given up on believing itself, and given up on trying to please the outside world, too.

This may also be a stage in development for my sister, who is only a pre-teen now. I hope she grows out of it and that this is just a drawn out coping strategy. She used to be so assertive and bright, but now she is literally a paper bag.

ANYWAY. I think that at ten years old, it is socially progressive to over-comply as you discover your autonomy and begin to see yourself as an adult, at least that's how me and my friends were. Fourth grade, which was where I was 10, was really a huge pivotal time in my life, a time of psychological awakening. I think that is when my long term memory became cohesive, and when I got my ability to place memories in chronological order, albeit, my thoughts are still scattered as ###$ (I have HPD with depressive features, if you're wondering). I began experimenting with my sexuality at age 10, and educating my peers (an elitist group of girls with me included) about what sex was. Me and my friends would compose huge projects with these fantastic ideas that of course never came to fruition, but still.

I think at age 10, it could be considered non-abnormal to give up your autonomy the way the girl you describe has. She most likely doesn't have a Dependent Personality Disorder, as you don't mention her clinging to one specific person. What she might have is some social phobia or generalized anxiety that comes with the thought of adulthood being imminent. Puberty begins for some at this age, and their new bodies, or their new feelings scare them and remind them that adulthood and death are unavoidable consequences of aging.

My prescription is a heart to heart with this girl from someone she loves, respects, and admires, to talk about puberty and the things that are seen fit to be known by her at this age. Tell her that it's okay to be nervous or unsure, but that puberty is just a normal part of life, and everyone has to do it sooner or later.

I hope I helped. (: