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Is there a disorder in adults for identity issues?
During about the ages of 12-19, a teen is supposed to develop a sense of identity, in relation to their values and society. But, what if they fall behind in this step of development? (Symptoms of developmental lag are depression, suicide attempts, sense of isolation, loneliness, impulsiveness, extreme rebellion, denial of feelings, poor hygiene, fantasy as an escape from problems, drug/alcohol abuse, anorexia, bulimia, obesity, sexual activity to provide missing nurturance, prostitution, stealing, pathological lying, psychosis, fire-setting, violent assault, truancy, running away, pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, cults, early marriages that are likely to fail, hatred and rejection of family - from www.education.com)
If the person had any of these problems as a teenager, but does not have them as an adult, could they still have psychological problems related to identity, and is there a specific disorder for that?
Christopher - I am aware of varying types of personalities disorders, but am not sure to which disorder you are referring.
Rhonda - Yes, I am speaking of myself (but the list of symptoms was straight from website - I wish not to disclose my particular problems as a teenager). I am also aware that people with problems as teenagers grow into perfectly functioning adults. I am speaking of a more subtle disorder - a named disorder, I guess, specific to skipping that milestone, but being well adjusted. Thanks!
Rhonda - The "identity formation" term, helped me find more info.
3 Answers
- ?Lv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
Unless there is a mentally storm-like disaster situation prior to that, it may not happen I think.
Source(s): own - ?Lv 61 decade ago
Very definitely.
Certain birth defects (neurological) can cause and sustain such identity and identity formation problems.
In fact, in one of these types of birth defects, roughly 35% of those so afflicted, untreated, suicide because the condition becomes intolerable to live with.
If you are describing yourself, please go to a therapist. There is nothing gained and there is everything to lose, if you do not at least ascertain why that you are feeling that way.
You don't need to go through that kind of pain.
- 1 decade ago
Most of those problems will probably still carry over, in one fashion or another, into their adult years. It is generally referred to as a Personality Disorder, in which that person can switch personality types very fast. Think a chameleon who blends in with their environment as a form of self-defense...humans with personality disorders tend to do the same thing by essentially shifting their personality/identity to fit any given situation. It's a highly unusual coping mechanism, and it can, and usually is, triggered by the issues/situations you have listed.
Most therapists have trouble diagnosing it because the person who has it will learn to alter themselves to throw off the therapist.
