● According to DSM 5, a personality disorder is an enduring pattern of inner
experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the individual’s culture,is pervasive and inflexible, has an onset in adolescence or early adulthood, is stable over time,and leads to distress or impairment.
● Adolescents who suffer from personality disorders usually display deviant behaviors and may be oversensitive or insensitive, rigid, and self-centered, or they may have extravagant illusions. DSM 5 classified and defined personality disorders into the following categories; 1. Paranoid personality disorder - Individuals with this type of disorder usually demonstrate a pattern of distrust and suspiciousness on the motives of the people around them.
2. Antisocial personality disorder
- This is manifested by the individual's disregard or violation of the rights of others.
3. Histrionic personality disorder
- This disorder is manifested by individuals who show excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors.
4. Narcissistic personality disorder
- Individuals with this type of disorder exhibit a pattern of grandiosity. - They are self-centered or think of themselves only, and their need for admiration is very strong. DSM 5 classified and defined personality disorders into the following categories;
5. Avoidant personality disorder
- This disorder is evident when individuals show a pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.
6. Dependent personality disorder
- This is manifested when individuals demonstrate a pattern of submissive and clinging behavior related to an excessive need to be taken care of.
7. Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder
- This disorder is manifested by a pattern of preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control. - Adolescents who experience this disorder may be overly sensitive to the cleanliness of their room. Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders ● Schizophrenia means "split mind" (Comer, 2013).
● It is a psychotic disorder usually characterized by the deterioration in personal,
social, and occupational functioning due to bizarre emotions and abnormal perceptions.
● According to DSM 5, schizophrenic and psychotic disorders are defined by
abnormalities in one or more of the following: delusions. hallucinations, disorganized thinking (speech), and abnormal motor behavior.
● Adolescents who experience this type of disorder experience loss of contact with reality, or the so-called psychosis. Substance-related Disorders ● A drug is a substance such as alcohol, caffeine, marijuana, and tobacco, whose chemical action alters the biological and psychological functioning of the person.
● Changes in one's cognition, emotions, and behavior may result if there is an
excessive use of substances.
● Abnormal functions such as intoxication or poisoning, mood changes, poor
judgment, and hallucinations are commonly observed among drug dependents.
● Drug abuse is evident when the individual relies on drugs excessively, which affects his or her relationship with the family, efficiency at work, or even capacity to decide realistically. Computer Addiction ● Computer addiction is characterized by an excessive use of the computer or the Internet.
● It interferes with their usual daily activities such as going to school, interacting with their family and friends, and attending to personal needs such as eating, and taking a bath.
● In a study conducted by Carli et al. (2013), it was found out that pathological use of the Internet is correlated with depression, anxiety, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and aggression.
● It may also be a form of escape to reality especially among those who experience depression and inability to regulate emotions and behaviors. Threats to Psychological Well-being ● Adolescents like you may be prone to any of the disorders previously described if you are not aware of the possible threats that may contribute to the development of such disorders.
● These threats can include family situations, environmental factors, and school- related problems such as bullying and peer pressure. Family Situations ● Parents may adapt a parenting style according to the style they experienced from their parents. As such, when adolescents talk about their wishes or desires to attend a party, the immediate response of the parents would be “no”.
● This situation may be so depressing for teenagers like you, but you must understand where your parents are coming from that they are worried as to what might happen if you attend the party and go home late at night.
● Parents who often fight in front of kids may have lasting effects even as they reach adolescence.
● Parents' inability to deal with their own stressors is normally felt by the children, affecting their psychological well-being. Thus, at times, they would refer to friends and look for someone who can understand their situation. Family Situations ● Some teenagers whose both parents work abroad find it difficult to adjust with home- and school-related concerns.
● Family structure affects teenagers' school attendance and tardiness. Students from non intact families miss school, are tardy, and cut class about 30 percent more often than students from intact homes.
● Children in families with high levels of marital conflict are more likely to have behavioral problems than children in families with low levels of conflict.
● Children growing up without their own married parents are prone to higher rates of stress, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem during the teenage years. Thank you for listening!
