According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70% of people report having experienced a trauma or extreme stress situation in their lifetime. And in the US, that number jumps to 89%.[1]
One of the most common reactions to trauma is dissociation, and while most people will experience a minor episode, 7% of the population may experience a dissociative disorder.[2]
The good news is that adolescents can develop awareness around their mental health and learn new, healthy coping skills for dealing with trauma. As such, it’s invaluable for the adults supporting teens to learn as much as they can about teen dissociation to guide them.
The following article will cover:
Dissociation is a process in the brain that involves disconnecting from our thoughts, feelings, memories, environment, and even our bodies. It’s one of the ways our brains may learn to cope with trauma or stress that is too difficult to manage alone. For teens, dissociation can be especially disorienting.[3]
Some teens may experience mild instances of dissociation, and these symptoms may go away by themselves, without the need for intervention. However, other teens may develop a dissociative disorder, which could lead to more serious gaps in time or even feelings of detachment from their life in general. In these instances, getting therapeutic support is paramount to recovery.
The term ‘dissociative disorders’ encompasses a variety of conditions linked to dissociation. The three main types of dissociative disorders are:
It’s important to note that, as parents, a teen’s dissociation can sometimes feel like the teen doesn’t care or is purposefully forgetful. However, dissociation and dissociative disorders in teens aren’t intentional. Teens often don’t realize what is happening and may not even remember the episode once it’s over.
The teenage years are commonly associated with a lack of focus and mood swings, which makes detecting signs of dissociation that much more difficult. However, certain patterns can be identified, particularly in times of stress, to determine when it is a good time to seek professional assistance.
Common dissociative symptoms in adolescents include:[4]
For some teens, these symptoms can come and go quickly, but for others, they can profoundly affect their friendships, grades, confidence, and even their safety. If there is any threat of harm to the person experiencing dissociation or anyone else, we recommend seeking assistance immediately.
Dissociative disorders tend to appear most often in children who have experienced some form of long-term abuse, whether that be sexual, physical, or emotional.[4] However, in some instances, dissociative disorders can form during unpredictable, extreme, or frightening times, such as in the case of:[4]
However, these are not the only variables that contribute to teen dissociation. PTSD is commonly accompanied by dissociation, and once your teen is primed to dissociate, new stressors can trigger these episodes.[5]
Early intervention for dissociation in teens is vital. Not only to avoid the development of a disorder, but also to prevent behaviors from becoming dangerous to the teen or to their loved ones. While it can be helpful to talk with a trusted friend, someone at your local faith center, or in a community education group, professional therapy can offer additional emotional support for teens.
Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is the most-used treatment method for dissociation in teens.[4] It involves talking about your difficult thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a licensed mental health professional. Throughout your therapy sessions, your therapist will help you to make sense of your experiences and learn ways to cope.
Psychotherapy can take many different forms, and the right approach for you will depend on your preferences and situation. Some of the most common approaches for teens with dissociation include the following:[6]
At Mission Prep Teen Treatment, we’re dedicated to providing teens with the most up-to-date methods available. For support with dissociation, contact us.
There are no specific medications that treat dissociative disorder in teens. However, your doctor may suggest a form of medication to help manage co-occurring difficulties, such as:
It’s important to speak with your doctor in-depth before taking any medication, so you understand the potential benefits and side effects of these.
Mission Prep is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.
One of the most effective ways to help a teen with dissociation is to teach them techniques that will ground them in their body. For a teen, it’s not only a way to keep from spiraling, but it is also a way for them to have some autonomy in their experience. This can be everything to adolescents who often feel they have no control over the situations they find themselves in.
Talk about different grounding methods for teens to determine which ones they find most helpful. These can be practiced when the teen is calm and kept as prime coping skills in their self-care toolkit.
Several strategies for coping with dissociation in teens include the below:[7]
The world of psychology is constantly evolving, so check in with a mental health professional for any tips or tricks they might have for you and your teen.
If you are a parent with a teen struggling with dissociation, it can be hard to know what to do or how to act. Support groups can be a way for parents to learn more and not feel so alone in their experience.
It’s important to note that teens who dissociate are not inherently dangerous. Even during a high-stress situation, there are many ways to de-escalate the situation before it reaches emergency levels.
A few other things to remember, according to the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), are as follows:[8]
Please also know you don’t have to support your teen by yourself. Compassionate, experienced professionals are available to help you understand what is happening and work with to you determine the most effective treatment plan.
Mission Prep provides treatment for teens experiencing various mental health conditions. Mental Health support is a phone call away – call 866-901-4047 to learn about your treatment options.
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It is likely that if your teen is dissociating, this is not the first time there has been a stressful event in their life. However, as we have discussed, it can be hard recognizing dissociation in teens, as this can look different for everyone.
Taking the time to understand and recognize dissociation in teens can be critical in early intervention. Let Mission Prep Teen Treatment help you and your teen understand and navigate through traumatic reactions.
We provide structure and emotional support for teens going through life’s most difficult challenges, and offer a range of teen treatment programs, such as:
Mission Prep Teen Treatment is in-network with several insurance providers. To check your insurance coverage for teen mental health treatment, simply complete our confidential online form.
If you’re interested in finding out more about treatment for dissociation and trauma in adolescents, reach out today by calling 866-901-4047.
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