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Diagnosis of codependency can be difficult because the severity of the condition differs from patient to patient. In trying to identify the condition, mental health professionals will likely ask several questions. These may include:

• Does the patient go to extremes to avoid arguing?
  
  
• Does the patient dislike expressing true feelings to others?
  
  
• Does the patient worry excessively about the judgments of others?
  
  
• Has the patient ever lived with someone who has a chemical dependency problem?
  
  
• Has the patient ever been emotionally or physically abused?
  
  
• Does the patient feel rejected when a significant other spends time with friends?
  
  
• Does the patient feel generally inadequate?
  
  
• Does the patient feel like a bad person after making a mistake?
  
  
• Does the patient have difficulty accepting gifts or compliments?
  
  
• Does the patient believe that others will fall apart without the patient’s help?
  
  
• Does the patient have trouble saying “no” when asked for help?

Several forms of therapy may be used to treat codependency, including family therapy and cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Patients will likely explore issues from their childhood that may have led them to form the destructive patterns that are in place today. Therapy may take the form of individual or group counseling, or a combination of both.

During treatment, patients may be encouraged to reconstruct family dynamics and to try to get in touch with hidden emotions. The goal is to have patients reconnect with their feelings.