Teenagers are within the prime stage of growing their personalities. They’re exploring their sense of self, constructing connections with others and developing their views about society.
This can be a time with heightened feelings, and typically erratic moods which will make you query, does my child have a character dysfunction?
Persona Issues (PDs) could be additional tough to diagnose and deal with in teenagers for that reason. Nonetheless there are indicators that your teen could also be struggling from greater than easy “moody teen behaviors” that would probably point out a character dysfunction.
How To Establish A Teenage Persona Dysfunction
Figuring out a character dysfunction in teenagers is tough as a result of signs can overlap with different psychological well being circumstances. An official prognosis needs to be executed by a licensed healthcare skilled reminiscent of a medical psychologist, psychiatrist or pediatrician.
They may take an in depth evaluation of your teen’s well being historical past, and a psychiatric analysis to rule out different psychological well being circumstances or acute stressors. The evaluation course of might embody interviews with the teenager, dad and mom, or academics to have a greater understanding of their conduct.
Indicators Your Teen Suffers From A Persona Dysfunction
There are a variety of character problems, every with their very own particular subset of signs.
However basically, the 4 key options to pay attention to which will point out a character dysfunction embody:
- Distorted considering and notion of actuality
- Irrational or problematic emotional responses
- Over or underneath regulated impulse management
- Problem functioning in social interactions and unstable relationships
Sorts Of Persona Issues In Teenagers
There are 10 official character problems teenagers could be recognized with. Persona problems are organized into clusters A, B and C primarily based on related displays of signs.
Cluster A Persona Issues
This group of character problems consists of unusual or odd considering. Individuals recognized with these PDs might socially isolate extra and have issues forming connections with others.
Cluster A character problems embody Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal.
Paranoid Persona Dysfunction
- Lacks belief
- Extremely suspicious of others and their intentions
- Doubts loyalty of others
Schizoid Persona Dysfunction
- Keep away from intimacy with others (voluntary)
- Could also be seen as “loners”
- Take little to no pleasure in actions
- Arduous time exhibiting feelings
Schizotypal Persona Dysfunction
- Keep away from intimacy with others (socially anxious)
- Take little to no pleasure in actions
- Arduous time exhibiting feelings
- Disorganized considering and speech (might converse in metaphors, or converse with out context)
Cluster B Persona Issues
This group of character problems consists of dramatic or erratic conduct. Individuals recognized with these PDs might have excessive feelings, low vanity, or issues with impulse management.
Cluster B character problems embody Borderline, Delinquent, Narcissistic and Histrionic.
Borderline Persona Dysfunction
- Concern of abandonment
- Excessive temper swings
- Self-harm or suicidal conduct
- Low vanity
- Unstable relationships
Delinquent Persona Dysfunction
- Lack regret
- Disregard for the security of oneself and others
- Persistent mendacity
- Aggressive behaviors
- Extremely impulsive
Narcissistic Persona Dysfunction
- Lack empathy
- Grandiose sense of self-importance
- Requires extreme admiration
- Fantasies of limitless success and energy
Histrionic Persona Dysfunction
- Sample of attention-seeking conduct
- Could also be labeled as overdramatic
- Anxiousness when they don’t seem to be focus
- Extreme give attention to bodily look
Cluster C Persona Issues
This group of character problems consists of restricted methods of considering. Individuals recognized with these PDs might wrestle with confidence or safety, and have hassle making choices.
Cluster C character problems embody Dependent, Avoidant and Obsessive-Compulsive.
Dependent Persona Dysfunction
- Overly passive or submissive
- Hassle making on a regular basis choices
- Feeling uncomfortable when alone
- Problem beginning or finishing duties on their very own
Avoidant Persona Dysfunction
- Pervasive sample of social anxiousness
- Hypersensitive to criticism
- Emotions of inadequacy
- Keep away from conditions that would lead to failure or embarrassment
Obsessive-Compulsive
- Perfectionism
- Rigid with routines, guidelines, perception techniques (could also be perceived as cussed)
- Black and white considering
- Problem coping with criticism
What Causes Persona Issues In Teenagers?
The precise causes behind character problems stay a thriller. Many consultants consider that PDs outcome from a mixture of genetics and early childhood experiences.
A research found that individuals diagnosed with BPD expertise extra childhood abuse in comparison with people with totally different character problems.
Current research in neuroscience and epigenetics are anticipated to disclose extra details about the character of PDs. A research team discovered that a mutated gene might contribute to people who’ve been recognized with Obsessive-Compulsive PD.
Accessible Therapy For Persona Issues
Treating character problems requires long-term, ongoing skilled help. Relying on the sort of character dysfunction, particular person wants, different underlying psychological well being circumstances and depth of signs—remedy can look totally different for everybody.
Some widespread remedy approaches which are used to deal with character problems might embody:
- Cognitive Behavioral Remedy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Remedy (DBT) (extra particular to these with Borderline Persona Dysfunction)
- Treatment to assist handle signs (might embody antidepressants, temper stabilizers or antipsychotics)
- Eye Motion Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) (in instances the place trauma may additionally be current)
- Group remedy for particular character problems
- Self-management instruments could also be taught in remedy periods to handle signs this might embody journaling, mediation, motion, artwork, getting outdoors, and many others
In search of Skilled Assist
At Clearfork Academy our group of compassionate licensed therapists perceive the advanced nature of character problems in teenagers. Attain out to our Admissions group to be taught extra.
Sources
Ozaki, N., Goldman, D., Kaye, W. et al. Serotonin transporter missense mutation associated with a complex neuropsychiatric phenotype. Mol Psychiatry 8, 933–936 (2003).
Bozzatello, P., Rocca, P., Baldassarri, L., Bosia, M., & Bellino, S. (2021). The Role of Trauma in Early Onset Borderline Personality Disorder: A Biopsychosocial Perspective. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 721361.
