Personality disorders and insecure attachment among adolescents

Hauber, A.K.

The most difficult target group in mental health care for youth, is recognizable from social debates: An alarming example of a suicide or severe non-suicidal self-injury illustrates the vulnerability of these adolescents and underlines a powerless society. Notably, this target group is often excluded from scientific research. Hauber attributes this exclusion on the many psychiatric problems young people face and a rigid classification system. Theoretical models do not accommodate overlapping problems, despite the most serious conditions being characterized by such an overlap. Hauber described the need for a dimensional classification system to enable care providers to assess serious problems, such as an overlap of personality disorder, insecure attachment and non-suicidal self-injury. The influences of puberty, attachment insecurity and the adolescent’s social dynamics should be included in such a model. By having young people reflect in writing on their...Show moreThe most difficult target group in mental health care for youth, is recognizable from social debates: An alarming example of a suicide or severe non-suicidal self-injury illustrates the vulnerability of these adolescents and underlines a powerless society. Notably, this target group is often excluded from scientific research. Hauber attributes this exclusion on the many psychiatric problems young people face and a rigid classification system. Theoretical models do not accommodate overlapping problems, despite the most serious conditions being characterized by such an overlap. Hauber described the need for a dimensional classification system to enable care providers to assess serious problems, such as an overlap of personality disorder, insecure attachment and non-suicidal self-injury. The influences of puberty, attachment insecurity and the adolescent’s social dynamics should be included in such a model. By having young people reflect in writing on their treatment, relevant information can be obtained to tailor personalized care, and drop-out can be minimized. New developments suggest improving resilience and connection with others, rather than just reducing symptoms. Hauber's research similarly showed the importance of connecting with others to grow emotionally in adolescence. This is a challenge in modern society, with loneliness being the highest mortality risk for humans.Show less

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Personality disorders and insecure attachment among adolescents