Most people hold the view only adults can suffer from various kinds of personality disorders. However, recent research should prove that even teenagers and youngsters can be victims of such mental health problems. They too have varying mood swings and impulsive behavior. Doctors say it difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of borderline personality aliments in such adolescents. Some of these experts explain that their brain structure or genetics could play a critical role.

On the other hand, many of their colleagues believe it could result from certain social factors. In many cases, the patients may go through traumatic events during their early childhood. They may be unfortunate victims of abuse or abandonment.

Dr. Jonathan Lauter – Can teenagers have borderline personality disorders?

Dr. Jonathan Lauter is popular psychiatrist from New York specializing in the area of clinical neuro development. This graduate from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has the distinction of holding a board certificate in child psychiatry. He has more than 30 years of valuable experience in this field. His peers say he one of few doctors who show genuine interest in the study of the human mind. He has been successful in cure many patients suffering from various kind of mental illnesses. Thanks to him almost all of these individuals are now leading normal happy lives. Presently, he holds the office of the Section Chief of Psychiatry Department at Brooklyn Hospital Center. He is also the Director of Child Psychiatry Department of Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens area. Apart from this he also maintains a private clinic at Manhattan.

7 Common symptoms of this mental disorder which youngster exhibit

This psychiatrist says young children and teenagers who have this mental illness are no different from adults. They also experience extreme mood swings which affect their personal relationship with other people. As they have very low self-esteem, they often question their role in the societies they live in. They may consider certain individuals as friends in one moment. However, they can soon regard them as enemies the following day. This is the reason why they may feel lonely or find themselves in unstable relationships. The other seven most common symptoms these children or youngsters may show are:

• They show the feeling of abandonment which may be either be real or in their imagination;
• Such youngsters are prone to self-harm. This is why they need constant monitoring to ensure they are not a danger to themselves;
• They have very impulsive behavior. They sometimes indulge in substance abuse, reckless driving, uncontrol spending, and overeating;
• Many of them have suicidal tendencies;
• Some of them have serious problems when it comes to controlling their anger;
• They frequently disassociate themselves from other people for no apparent reason; and
• They have difficulties trusting other people.

Treatment

He points out professionals treating youngsters with borderline personality disorders need to take a close look at their personal lives. They have to understand the traumatic events of their childhood. This makes it easy for them to diagnose such patients. In the long-run, they can improve the quality of their lives.

Dr. Jonathan Lauter says people should reach out to youngster who has borderline personality disorders. If they undergo the treatment they need, these adolescents can come to terms with their childhood trauma. With time, they can improve the quality of the lives they lead and learn to trust others.