a teen talks to a therapist during therapy for emotional regulation disorders

During an adolescent’s teen years, they can experience trying emotional mood swings and seemingly irrational behaviors. Many parents feel disconnected from their children during this time, and teens can maintain a rebellious attitude that makes it difficult to communicate with their parents. While some teens grow out of these behaviors, in other cases, these behaviors are early signs of an emerging personality disorder in teens.

Personality disorders are deeply ingrained behaviors that typically manifest in teenagers and young adults. Some cause long-term difficulties in personal growth and make it hard to function normally in society. It can be tough to classify a personality disorder in any individual, but especially in teenagers, because many of the signs are often exaggerated symptoms of adolescence itself. At Ascend, we can help you discover whether your teen needs a residential treatment program for emotional regulation disorders. Learn more here.

Causes of Emerging Personality Disorders in Teenagers

The causes of personality disorders in teens are not fully understood. Without a doubt, there is a definite mix of environmental, genetic, and traumatic history factors. The reasons why your teen may be suffering are different, so our residential treatment program for emotional regulation disorders is also unique to each individual.

Types of Personality Disorders

It can be challenging for medical professionals to classify or label a specific personality disorder in teens, as these things do exist on a spectrum. Ascend is here as your guide to ensure your child gets the personalized care they need, depending on their diagnosis.

Some behaviors commonly found in teens are also evident among those with personality disorders, including:

  • Ultra-sensitivity to failure
  • Emotional instability
  • Self-destructive attitude
  • Intense fear of rejection
  • Overdependence on peers
  • Difficulty with transitions
  • Fear of making mistakes

It can be challenging to separate these personality disorder markers from normal teenage insecurity.

After a thorough assessment and clinical diagnosis for emotional regulation disorders, you’ll know which type of personality disorder they may likely have. We can then guide your teen and family towards healthy coping mechanisms that minimize the effects potential disorders could have on their lives. For many, this early intervention becomes a vital part of their long-term emotional regulation treatment for teens.

Signs and Symptoms of Emerging Personality Disorders

You might think that your child is in need of adolescent emerging personality disorder treatment right away, but their behavior could just be a normal, moody teenager’s attitude. The difference between a personality disorder in teens and a rebellious teenager is generally the breadth, length, and depth of their pattern of behavior. Some signs and symptoms that, if seen together, could indicate personality disorder traits include:

If your child has more than one of these signs or symptoms, it might be time to consider a higher level of care specifically geared towards emotional regulation disorders.

Emerging Borderline Personality Disorder Treatment Programs

The team at Ascend is here to help you explore the best emotional regulation disorder treatment options for your child. Reach out to our admissions team today at 310.388.3713 to learn more about the next steps you should be taking.

FAQ

What is an emotional regulation disorder?

An emotional regulation disorder makes it difficult for someone to manage their emotions in a healthy way. For teens, this might show up as intense mood swings, impulsive actions, or difficulty calming down once upset.

How is a personality disorder different from typical teen behavior?

Many teens experience moodiness or frustration. The difference is that a personality disorder involves deeper, more lasting patterns that affect relationships, self-esteem, and everyday life. If these patterns are intense, ongoing, and disruptive, it may be time to consider professional support.

What does emotional regulation treatment for teens include?

At Ascend, emotional regulation treatment is personalized based on each client’s needs. We combine individual and group therapy, experiential activities, and clinical support to help teens understand their emotions and build healthy behaviors.

When should we consider residential treatment for emotional regulation?

If your teen’s emotional responses are affecting their safety, relationships, or ability to function day-to-day, a higher level of care may be needed. Our residential program supports emotional regulation treatment for teens and other co-occurring challenges in a structured, caring space.