Teen Avoidant Personality Disorder
Teen Avoidant Personality Disorder
For teens with avoidant personality disorder, it can be difficult to have successful social interactions and maintain meaningful relationships. This can put a toll on their emotional and mental wellbeing. Hillcrest’s specialized treatment for avoidant personality disorder in teens is designed to meet the unique challenges correlated with this condition. We work closely with parents and caregivers to ensure teens receive the most intuitive support possible both in treatment and at home.
What is Avoidant Personality Disorder in Teens?
Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) in teens is marked by an overwhelming fear of rejection, extreme social anxiety, and an intense sense of inadequacy. Those with this condition tend to withdraw from social situations and emerging relationships in an effort to protect themselves from what they see as potential emotional harm. This self-isolation often stems from an overpowering worry that they will be ridiculed, judged, or criticized. As a result, they often are too shy to participate in school or extracurricular activities and avoid both casual conversations and more meaningful connections.
Sadly, AVPD can severely impact a teen’s development socially, which can cause them emotional distress, feelings of loneliness, and a crushing sense of inferiority. Thankfully, early detection and diagnosis combined with proper treatment can assist teens in managing their condition and ultimately improving the ways they communicate with others.
Signs and Symptoms of Teen Avoidant Personality Disorder
It is essential for parents and caregivers to be aware of the indicators of avoidant personality disorder in teens, so that they can identify them in their child. Common signs and symptoms that your loved one is struggling with AVPD include:
- Anti-social behavior
- Deep-rooted fear of rejection and criticism
- Fear of making a mistake and being less than perfect
- Insecurity
- Low self-esteem and low self-worth
- Extreme shyness
- Avoidance of social gatherings and social interactions
What Causes Avoidant Personality Disorder?
This condition can be caused by a number of factors. These include a genetic history of the disorder, environmental influences, psychological factors, and social dynamics. Unfortunately, if left untreated AVPD can lead to further complications in life such as depression, addiction issues, and agoraphobia. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the risk factors of this condition as well as the best ways to address it. Possible causes of avoidant personality disorder in teens are discussed more thoroughly below:
Genetic Predispositions: Individuals with a family history of personality disorders may be more susceptible to AVPD as these conditions can be hereditary. It is important to be aware of your family’s history of mental illness, so that you can recognize early signs in your teen.
Environmental Influences: Issues in the home such as trauma, abuse, and neglect can be linked to the development of AVPD. These harmful occurrences can reinforce social anxiety, feelings of inadequacy, and avoidant behaviors.
Psychological Factors: Cognitive influences such as poor self-esteem and ongoing self-doubt can make teens more sensitive to the potential of rejection and humiliation. This can result in them withdrawing from as much social interaction as possible to avoid possible emotional harm.
Social Dynamics: Peer rejection, group exclusion, and bullying can have an intense impact on the development of AVPD. It fosters fear of criticism and ridicule for future social scenarios.
Our Treatment Programs for Teen Avoidant Personality Disorder
Our treatment programs are custom designed with each client’s individual needs, goals, and challenges in mind. We work with teens and their families to collectively decide on the best treatment approach for their specific situation. This strategy allows us to provide tailored support that fosters lasting change in teens with avoidant personality disorder. Below are the levels of programming we offer.
Residential Treatment
Also known as inpatient rehab, our residential treatment gives teens a safe space to focus on personal growth and social development. They live on-site throughout the duration of their program. This way, they do not have to worry about the stressors or triggers they encounter in the external world. Our residential programming provides them with a consistent schedule while still allowing them time for rest and reflection.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Partial hospitalization programs combine intensive treatment with an appropriate amount of flexibility. This allows teens freedoms such as living at home and seeing family in the evenings. Those in our PHP typically attend treatment five days a week, with sessions lasting the majority of the day.
How Can I Help My Teen With Avoidant Personality Disorder?
The most effective way to help your teen navigate the difficulties of avoidant personality disorder is to seek a professional evaluation. That way, you know with certainty that this is the specific personality disorder that they are struggling with and you can work with a mental health professional to get them the help they need. It is also important to advocate for and support your child no matter what. In the moment, listening empathetically, encouraging relaxation techniques, and exhibiting patience are some of the best ways to help your teen navigate challenges related to their disorder.
How Is Avoidant Personality Disorder Treated at Hillcrest?
At Hillcrest, we combine clinically-proven therapies with experiential experiences to provide our clients with a holistic approach. Our comprehensive suite of treatment services is designed to help those with avoidant personality disorder find ways to overcome anxieties, cope with fears, manage stress, and overall communicate more effectively. Treatment interventions offered at our California recovery center include:
- Education: Our education program enables your child to excel academically while receiving necessary mental health treatment.
- Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) focus on replacing negative thought processes and behaviors with healthier habits and coping methods.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: This type of therapy addresses underlying conflicts and unresolved childhood experiences that may be linked to social challenges and poor emotional regulation.
- Interpersonal Therapy: Interpersonal therapy is highly beneficial for those with AVPD as it aims to enhance communication and relationship-building skills.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy provides a supportive and constructive environment for loved ones to gain insight on AVPD and learn effective ways to help.
- Personal Development: This treatment technique focuses on garnering self-awareness and combating social instability in teens.
- Equine Therapy: In equine therapy, teens have the opportunity to interact with horses, which helps them strengthen their confidence, social skills, problem-solving capabilities, impulse control, and capacity to convey empathy.
- Recovery Management Therapy: Provides teens with continued support as they learn ways to become more resilient and better handle conflicts.
- Expressive Therapy: By allowing teens to use creative outlets such as art, writing, and music, they can more accurately navigate and communicate their feelings.
- Outdoor Therapy: Nature-centered activities can instigate emotional healing and self-reflection in teens with avoidant personality disorder.
Our Philosophy
Hillcrest Adolescent Treatment Center (Hillcrest) is a licensed, residential mental health facility specializing in the treatment of teen avoidant personality disorder. Hillcrest aims to help clients become centered and empowered to address their struggles head on, so they can achieve long-term healing and an overall improved quality of life.
In line with the treatment philosophy and facility mission, Hillcrest provides a range of innovative and creative therapeutic, experiential, and clinical evidence-based treatment options in a natural and peaceful environment. Additionally, clients are provided with an educational school component as well as healthy recreational activities. These include books, art, music, and a range of outdoor exercise programs. All healing is guided by established healthcare professionals and therapists with stellar backgrounds and experience. At Hillcrest, the road to recovery is imminent and our support unwavering.
Find Treatment for Avoidant Personality Disorder in California
We recognize the distress avoidant personality disorder causes for teens and their loved ones. As a parent, you want your teen to be able to maintain friendships and be comfortable in social settings. Our compassionate team is dedicated to making your want into a reality. We offer personalized treatment that addresses your child’s specific needs and unique challenges. We teach them valuable coping mechanisms and emotional regulation techniques, so that they can successfully navigate social interactions. To learn more about how we can help, give us a call or visit our admissions page today.
