Personality Disorder Treatment Center for Adolescents & Teens in Utah

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) identifies several distinct personality disorders, each with its own unique characteristics. People often present some of the features of personality disorders in adolescence or early adulthood, but this is hard to capture because personality traits are still developing during these years and will keep evolving. As such, the traits of a personality disorder that they may have had in childhood might not continue into their adult years. Because these disorders are, by nature, considered “enduring,” they are often diagnosed in adulthood. However, people under the age of 18 can receive a personality disorder diagnosis if their symptoms have been present for at least one year. 

Below are the recognized types of personality disorders: 

• Paranoid personality disorder: Marked by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others. 

• Schizoid personality disorder: Characterized by detachment from social relationships and limited emotional expression. 

• Schizotypal personality disorder: Features include severe social anxiety, eccentric behavior, and unusual beliefs or perceptions. 

• Antisocial personality disorder (only diagnosed at age 18 or older; signs often emerge in adolescence as conduct disorder): Characteristics include a lack of consideration for others, manipulation, and a failure to accept responsibility for harmful actions. 

• Borderline personality disorder (BPD): Involves instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions. Adolescents who are suffering from BPD may display impulsive behaviors, an intense fear of abandonment, and rapid changes in mood. 

• Histrionic personality disorder: Characterized by excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors. 

• Narcissistic personality disorder: Involves a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. 

• Avoidant personality disorder: Defined by extreme sensitivity to rejection, fear of criticism, and a hesitation to interact with people or engage in activities due to feelings of inadequacy. 

• Dependent personality disorder: Involves excessive reliance on others for emotional and physical needs, often accompanied by submissive behaviors. 

• Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD): Defined by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and control, often at the expense of flexibility and efficiency. 

Each of these personality disorders can significantly disrupt an adolescent’s social, academic, and emotional growth. At Youth Care, we work closely with each young person to thoroughly assess their needs and identify any potential underlying causes that may be contributing to their mental health and behavior.  

The DSM-5 provides two frameworks for understanding and diagnosing personality disorders. The categorical model organizes personality disorders into three clusters based on shared characteristics: 

• Cluster A (odd or eccentric): Includes paranoid, schizoid, and schizotypal personality disorders 

• Cluster B (dramatic, emotional, or erratic): Includes antisocial, borderline, histrionic, and narcissistic personality disorders 

• Cluster C (anxious or fearful): Includes avoidant, dependent, and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders 

In an attempt to address any limitations in the traditional model, such as co-occurring conditions and overlapping symptoms, the DSM-5 introduced the dimensional model for personality disorders. This alternative approach examines the following criteria: 

• Impairments in personality functioning (both self and interpersonal) 

• Pathological personality traits (e.g., negative affectivity, detachment, antagonism) 

The categorical model is the one most often used in clinical practice for diagnostic purposes. However, the dimensional model, an area of ongoing research, may provide practitioners with new perspectives on why and how these complex conditions emerge. 

Adolescents who struggle with personality disorders may exhibit a range of signs and symptoms that negatively impact all areas of their lives. These can include: 

• Intense mood swings or emotional dysregulation 

• Difficulty forming or maintaining relationships 

• Persistent feelings of emptiness or detachment 

• Extreme sensitivity to rejection or criticism 

• Impulsive or self-destructive behaviors 

• Distorted self-image or identity confusion 

• Patterns of manipulation or hostility in interactions 

These symptoms may sometimes be mistaken for typical teenage behaviors, and, in some cases, this could be true. However, it’s important to keep a watchful eye and recognize when these symptoms become pervasive or too distressing for a young person to handle. If you’re a parent and you’re unsure if your child’s mannerisms are typical or unusual for someone of their age, seeking professional help can provide some clarity and guidance.  

As noted in the “Types of Personality Disorders” section above, a diagnosis of a personality disorder typically requires symptoms to be long-lasting and stable over time. Adolescents may show signs of a personality disorder, but it’s impossible to know whether these will continue past this stage of life. As a result, clinicians may hesitate to diagnose personality disorders in young people, given that their personality and behavior can change as they get older. This makes it difficult to get a clear picture of how common these disorders are among young people.  

However, early signs and symptoms should not be overlooked, as proper professional support can help adolescents navigate these important years. Evidence-based treatments, like those we offer at Youth Care, can help young people build resilience, form healthier habits, and prevent their symptoms from worsening. 

Like many other mental health conditions, personality disorders often result from a combination of the following factors: 

• Genetics: Family history of personality disorders or mental illness can increase susceptibility. 

• Childhood trauma: Experiences of neglect, abuse, or instability during formative years are significant risk factors. 

• Environmental influences: Peer pressure, societal expectations, and stressful life events may make young people more vulnerable. 

• Neurological factors: Imbalances in brain chemistry or structure can impact emotion regulation and interpersonal functioning. 

Understanding these factors helps Youth Care’s expert team create targeted therapeutic strategies for each young person who comes to our treatment center in Draper, Utah. 

Without proper treatment, personality disorders can have far-reaching consequences, such as: 

• Strained family relationships and social isolation 

• Academic underachievement or school dropout 

• Development of co-occurring disorders, including substance use or eating disorders 

• Increased risk for self-harm or suicidal ideation 

• Long-term difficulties in establishing independence or fulfilling personal goals 

Youth Care prioritizes early intervention to mitigate these risks and support adolescents in building a brighter future. 

Receiving treatment for a personality disorder is crucial because it can lead to transformative outcomes like: 

• Improved emotion regulation and interpersonal skills 

• Enhanced self-awareness and coping mechanisms 

• Reduction in harmful behaviors and co-occurring symptoms 

• Strengthened family relationships through collaborative therapy 

• Development of a positive self-image and renewed hope for the future 

At Youth Care, we are committed to helping adolescents rediscover their potential by building relationships based on mutual respect, upholding the highest standards of care, and encouraging them to pursue their goals with confidence.  

Youth Care stands out as a trusted resource for families who are seeking help for their adolescent children. Situated on a picturesque campus featuring homelike accommodations, recreational facilities, and dedicated educational spaces, our treatment center offers a unique blend of therapeutic support and academic enrichment. 

We incorporate: 

• Evidence-based modalities such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 

• Trauma-informed care to address underlying emotional wounds 

• Individual and group therapy for personalized guidance and peer support 

• Family therapy sessions to rebuild trust and communication 

• Experiential therapies, like situational, exposure, and expressive therapies, to promote holistic healing 

With a highly trained team that includes licensed therapists, certified recreational specialists, board-certified psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals, Youth Care is a place where adolescents can receive not only clinically excellent care but also the emotional and social support they need to thrive. 

At our treatment center in Draper, Utah, we aim to foster meaningful change for young people by helping them understand what a personality disorder is, giving them the tools to manage their emotions, and providing coping strategies for long-term well-being.  

If you would like to learn more about how we treat personality disorders and the ways we can make a difference in your child’s life, please reach out to a member of our admissions team today. Our counselors are here to answer your questions, guide you through the admissions process, and connect your child with the care they deserve.  

This content was written on behalf of and reviewed by the clinical staff at Youth Care.