Personality Disorders In Teens: Signs, Symptoms And Treatment
Adolescents are at a crucial stage in their development where they are shaping their identities, forming connections with others, and developing their perspectives on society.
During this period, they may experience intense emotions and fluctuations in mood that could raise concerns about the possibility of a personality disorder.
Diagnosing and treating personality disorders in teens can be challenging due to the overlapping symptoms with other mental health conditions. However, there are indicators that may suggest a teenager is grappling with more than typical adolescent behavior.
Identifying Teenage Personality Disorders
Pinpointing a personality disorder in teens is complex as the symptoms can resemble those of other mental health issues. A formal diagnosis should be conducted by a licensed healthcare professional such as a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, or pediatrician.
They will conduct a thorough evaluation of the teen's medical history and a psychiatric assessment to rule out other mental health conditions or external stressors. This evaluation process may involve interviews with the teen, parents, or educators to gain a comprehensive understanding of their behavior.
Signs of Teenage Personality Disorders
There are various types of personality disorders, each characterized by distinct sets of symptoms.
However, generally, the four key features to watch for that could indicate a personality disorder include:
- Distorted thinking and perception of reality
- Irregular or problematic emotional responses
- Excessive or inadequate impulse control
- Difficulty in social interactions and unstable relationships
Types of Personality Disorders in Adolescents
There are ten recognized personality disorders that can be diagnosed in teens, categorized into clusters A, B, and C based on similar symptom presentations.
Cluster A Personality Disorders
This cluster comprises personality disorders characterized by peculiar or eccentric thinking patterns. Individuals with these disorders may exhibit social isolation and struggle to form connections with others.
Cluster A personality disorders include Paranoid, Schizoid, and Schizotypal.
Paranoid Personality Disorder
- Lack of trust
- High suspicion of others' intentions
- Doubts about others' loyalty
Schizoid Personality Disorder
- Avoidance of intimacy (by choice)
- Perceived as "loners"
- Limited pleasure in activities
- Difficulty expressing emotions
Schizotypal Personality Disorder
- Avoidance of intimacy due to social anxiety
- Limited pleasure in activities
- Difficulty expressing emotions
- Disorganized thinking and speech
Cluster B Personality Disorders
This cluster comprises personality disorders characterized by dramatic or erratic behavior. Individuals with these disorders may experience intense emotions, low self-esteem, or challenges with impulse control.
Cluster B personality disorders include Borderline, Antisocial, Narcissistic, and Histrionic.
Borderline Personality Disorder
- Fear of abandonment
- Extreme mood swings
- Self-harming tendencies
- Unstable relationships
Antisocial Personality Disorder
- Lack of remorse
- Disregard for safety
- Chronic lying
- Aggressive behaviors
Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Lack of empathy
- Grandiose self-importance
- Excessive need for admiration
Histrionic Personality Disorder
- Attention-seeking behavior
- Perceived as overdramatic
- Anxiety when not the center of attention
Cluster C Personality Disorders
This cluster comprises personality disorders characterized by restricted thinking patterns. Individuals with these disorders may struggle with confidence, security, and decision-making.
Cluster C personality disorders include Dependent, Avoidant, and Obsessive-Compulsive.
Dependent Personality Disorder
- Excessive passivity
- Difficulty making decisions
- Discomfort when alone
Avoidant Personality Disorder
- Social anxiety tendencies
- Sensitive to criticism
- Feelings of inadequacy
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder
- Perfectionism
- Rigid adherence to routines and beliefs
- Black-and-white thinking
- Difficulty accepting criticism
Causes of Personality Disorders in Adolescents
The exact origins of personality disorders remain uncertain. Many experts suggest that these disorders stem from a combination of genetic factors and early life experiences.
Research has shown that individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder are more likely to have experienced childhood abuse compared to those with other personality disorders.
Advancements in neuroscience and epigenetics are anticipated to provide more insights into the nature of personality disorders. For instance, a study revealed that a mutated gene could play a role in Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder.
Treatment Options for Personality Disorders
Managing personality disorders necessitates long-term professional support. Treatment approaches may vary depending on the specific disorder, individual needs, co-occurring mental health conditions, and symptom severity.
Common treatment modalities for personality disorders may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Medication for symptom management
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Group therapy tailored to specific disorders
- Self-management techniques taught in therapy sessions
Seeking Professional Assistance
Our team of compassionate licensed therapists at Clearfork Academy comprehends the complexities of personality disorders in adolescents. Contact our Admissions team for further information.
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.
