Treatment for Personality Disorders in Teens and Young Adults

BPD is characterized by intense emotional instability, impulsive behaviors, and difficulties in maintaining stable relationships. It affects approximately 1-2% of the general population, with onset often occurring during adolescence.

ASPD is associated with a disregard for others’ rights and feelings, a lack of empathy, and a pattern of manipulative and deceitful behaviors. While less common in the general population, it may manifest in some teens.

Teens with AvPD experience pervasive feelings of inadequacy, hypersensitivity to criticism or rejection, and a strong desire to avoid social interactions. AvPD is estimated to affect around 2-5% of the population.

People with NPD have an exaggerated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and little empathy for others. Even though it is less common in adolescence, it can still occur in some teenagers.

OCPD involves a preoccupation with perfectionism, rigid adherence to rules, and an excessive need for control. It affects approximately 2-8% of the population.

DPD is characterized by an excessive reliance on others for decision-making, an inability to express disagreement, and a fear of separation or being alone. Its prevalence in the general population is estimated to be around 0.6-0.8%.

Teens with schizotypal personality disorder may experience peculiar thoughts, eccentric behavior, and difficulties in forming and maintaining close relationships. They may also exhibit perceptual distortions or beliefs in magical thinking.

Histrionic personality disorder is characterized by attention-seeking behaviors, exaggerated emotions, and a constant need for reassurance and approval from others. Teens with this disorder may display dramatic and theatrical behavior to gain attention.

Teenagers with schizoid personality disorder tend to be detached from social relationships and will have limited emotional ranges. They may feel indifferent to praise and criticism, prefer solitary activities, and have trouble forming close bonds.

Paranoid personality disorder involves a deep suspicion and distrust of people. In addition to excessive guarding, teens with this disorder may interpret neutral actions as malevolent or threatening.

Depressive personality disorder is characterized by a persistent pattern of sadness, negativity, and feelings of inadequacy. Teens with this disorder may have a pessimistic outlook, low self-esteem, and difficulty finding enjoyment in activities.

Teens may have an increased risk of developing a personality disorder if there is a family history of mental health conditions, including personality disorders. Genetic factors can influence the way individuals process emotions and interact with others.

Adverse childhood experiences, such as trauma, neglect, or unstable family environments, can contribute to the development of personality disorders in teens. These experiences may impact the formation of healthy self-identity and the development of effective coping mechanisms.

Personal experiences during adolescence, such as social pressures, difficulties in peer relationships, or challenges in identity formation, can also contribute to the development of personality disorders. Teens may struggle with establishing a sense of self, managing emotions, and navigating complex social dynamics.

Some personality disorders may be influenced by abnormalities or imbalances in brain structure and function. Neurochemical and hormonal factors can impact mood regulation, impulse control, and interpersonal behaviors.

Family environment and parenting styles can influence the development of personality disorders in teens. Inconsistent discipline, neglect, abuse, or overprotectiveness can contribute to maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior.

Peer pressure, societal expectations, and cultural norms can shape a teen’s sense of self and influence their behaviors. These external factors can contribute to the formation of personality disorders, especially when combined with other underlying vulnerabilities.

Teens who have inadequate or maladaptive coping mechanisms may be more vulnerable to developing personality disorders. The use of defense mechanisms, such as denial or projection, as a way to manage stress and emotions can contribute to the development of dysfunctional patterns.

Experiencing trauma during childhood or adolescence, such as physical or sexual abuse, can significantly impact a teen’s mental health. Trauma can disrupt the development of a healthy sense of self, leading to the manifestation of personality disorder symptoms.

However, the presence of these factors is not a guarantee that a personality disorder will develop. Many young adults with risk factors do not develop these conditions, while others without apparent risk factors may still experience them. The interplay of various factors is complex and unique to each individual.

At Intercept, we recognize the importance of early intervention and comprehensive treatment for personality disorders in teens and young adults. Residential treatment for teens can help your teen manage their mental health with positive and healthy coping mechanisms. If you have concerns about your teen or young adult’s risk factors or suspect they may be experiencing symptoms of a personality disorder, we encourage you to reach out to us at Intercept.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of personality disorders in teens is essential for early intervention and appropriate support. While each type of personality disorder has its unique characteristics, here are some common signs to look out for:

• Distorted thinking patterns: Teens with personality disorders may exhibit persistent and distorted thinking patterns, such as black-and-white thinking, distrust of others, or difficulty recognizing their own role in conflicts.
• Emotional instability: Fluctuating emotions are often a hallmark of personality disorders in teens. They may experience intense and unpredictable mood swings, have difficulty regulating their emotions, or exhibit chronic feelings of emptiness.
• Impulsive behaviors: Teens with personality disorders may engage in impulsive and risky behaviors without considering the consequences. This can include reckless driving, substance abuse, self-harm, or engaging in unsafe sexual activities.
• Unstable relationships: Difficulties in forming and maintaining stable relationships are common among teens with personality disorders. They may have intense and tumultuous relationships characterized by extreme idealization and devaluation of others.
• Identity disturbances: Teens with personality disorders may struggle with a coherent sense of self. They may experience confusion or uncertainty about their values, goals, and future aspirations, leading to a lack of stable identity.
• Poor impulse control: Impulsivity and difficulty controlling urges can be prominent features of personality disorders in teens. They may engage in self-destructive behaviors, have frequent outbursts of anger, or struggle with self-control.
• Chronic feelings of emptiness: Teens with personality disorders may describe persistent feelings of emptiness or inner void that they struggle to fill, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction and a constant search for external validation.
• Chronic interpersonal difficulties: Teens with personality disorders may have trouble understanding others’ perspectives, exhibit manipulative behaviors, or have a fear of abandonment, leading to volatile and unstable relationships.
• Self-destructive behaviors: Teens with personality disorders may engage in self-destructive actions as a way to cope with emotional distress. This can include self-harm, substance abuse, or engaging in risky behaviors without regard for personal safety.
• Intense fear of rejection or criticism: Teens with personality disorders may have an excessive fear of rejection or criticism. They may avoid situations where they could be evaluated or judged, experience intense anxiety in social interactions, or have an overwhelming need for constant reassurance.
• Difficulty in regulating anger: Anger management challenges are common among teens with personality disorders. They may experience intense and uncontrollable anger, have frequent temper outbursts, or display aggressive behaviors toward others or themselves.
• Distorted self-image: Teens with personality disorders may have a distorted self-image or an unstable sense of self. They may experience periods of feeling grandiose or superior, alternating with feelings of worthlessness or insecurity.
• Difficulty adapting to change: Teens with personality disorders often struggle with adapting to new situations or changes in routine. They may become highly anxious or distressed when faced with unexpected or unfamiliar circumstances.

These symptoms can vary in intensity and may overlap with normal adolescent behavior. If you notice persistent and severe patterns of these symptoms that significantly impact your teen’s daily functioning and well-being, it may be an indication of a personality disorder.

Our experienced team conducts a thorough evaluation to accurately diagnose the specific personality disorder and identify any co-occurring mental health conditions. This assessment helps us create a tailored treatment plan for your teen.

A fundamental part of our treatment strategy is individual therapy. Whether in our program for intensive residential living for young adults, or any other program we offer, our skilled therapists work closely with your teen, providing a safe and confidential space for them to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through various therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), we help your teen develop healthier coping mechanisms, improve self-awareness, and promote positive behavioral changes.

Group therapy offers a supportive environment where your teen can connect with peers who may have similar experiences. Led by our experienced therapists, group sessions encourage interpersonal skills development, emotional regulation, and empathy building. Your teen can gain insights, share experiences, and receive support from others who understand their challenges.

We recognize the importance of family involvement in the treatment process. We offer family therapy sessions to help improve communication, enhance understanding, and promote healthy family dynamics. Involving the family fosters a supportive and cohesive environment that can contribute to your teen’s overall well-being.

In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms or co-occurring conditions. Our psychiatrists carefully evaluate the need for medication, closely monitor its effectiveness, and make adjustments as necessary to support your teen’s treatment journey.

We incorporate holistic approaches, such as mindfulness exercises, art therapy, and recreational activities, to promote overall well-being and help your teen develop healthy coping skills. These approaches complement traditional therapies and offer additional avenues for self-expression, relaxation, and stress reduction.

As your teen progresses through treatment, we provide comprehensive aftercare planning to ensure continuity of care and support beyond their time at Intercept. We collaborate with community resources, outpatient providers, and educational institutions to help create a smooth transition and ongoing support for your teen.

Choosing treatment at Intercept for your teen’s personality disorder can make a significant difference in their life. Our compassionate team is dedicated to their well-being and growth, believing in their potential for recovery.