Problems With Identity Disturbance

An identity disturbance is a psychological term for an individual with a distorted or inconsistent self-view. Identity disturbances most often occur when an adolescent does not fully form a self-image, or self-concept, because of emotional or physical abuse, trauma, neglect or another form of emotional wounds that affect the self and emotions. The disturbance affects the individual's lifestyle and relationships immediately and later in life.

Interpersonal Relationships

• Because a person with an identity disturbance does not have a consistent self-image--it can range from very high to very low--his mood changes and self-esteem will show in personal relationship. Friends and family may be able to help the patient by listening to his concerns and worries and, if his mood gets dangerous, to leave the situation. However, in a romantic partnership it may be more difficult to help manage every day--the partner must respect that the loved one has a mental condition that needs to be treated.

Self-Esteem

• An identity disturbance puts a person's self-esteem in constant flux. One day a college student with the disorder may feel "on top of the world," happy and confident and ready to take on the day's challenges and enjoy the day's pleasures. The next day, or even later the same day, she may feel so low about herself she does not feel worthy of anything, even her life. The wavering self-esteem keeps the patient from getting to truly know herself, or discovering what truly makes her feel good or bad about herself.

Commitment

• A person with an identity disturbance finds it difficult to commit to one thing, especially a job, relationship or a set of values, according to Tess Wilkinson-Ryan, A.B., and Drew Westen, Ph.D. in an empirical investigation on the disorder in 2000. Financial problems arise when the jobs a person tries and abandons do not make much profit for the patient and his family. In relationships, the individual may suddenly not feel cared for enough and neglected and look for other people with whom she can share herself. Sexual identity may also shift. The person may also feel that she needs a new set of friends because her values, which shift, do not correspond to those of her friends.

Role Absorption

• A person with an identity disturbance in borderline personality disorder often defines himself in terms of a single role or cause. He may identify himself by a particular group or cause he joins, such as a political or artistic movement. His sense of self then revolves around the group, keeping him from actually forming an individual self-concept and self-esteem. Problems arise when the person loses the group or is not included in a group, which can spiral into a complete loss of self-worth. Also the patient often has a "chameleon-like" personality in which, with every person she interacts with, she has a different personality.