diff --git a/python/helpers/pydev/pydevd.py b/python/helpers/pydev/pydevd.py
index 13541bcba9dd..dd1eb3d125c4 100644
--- a/python/helpers/pydev/pydevd.py
+++ b/python/helpers/pydev/pydevd.py
@@ -3,10 +3,16 @@ Entry point module (keep at root):
 
 This module starts the debugger.
 '''
+import os
 import sys
 from contextlib import contextmanager
 import weakref
 
+# allow the debugger to work in isolated mode Python
+here = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
+if here not in sys.path:
+    sys.path.insert(0, here)
+
 from _pydevd_bundle.pydevd_collect_try_except_info import collect_return_info
 
 if sys.version_info[:2] < (2, 6):