The Sins of the FatherWhat happens to children who are seriously traumatized or neglected during the first years of life? This is an endless topic, so the focus of this exploration will be limited to three personality disorders. The symptoms of these personality disorders are diagnosed in adulthood, but their roots lie in the first 4 years of life. Erikson's growth stages of trust versus mistrust and autonomy versus insecurity will form the foundation for understanding. When a child is exposed to abusive and pathological parenting during these developmental stages, the result is often a personality disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Edition 4, personality disorders are enduring patterns of perception that are maladaptive and cause significant functional impairment and/or subjective distress. These disorders affect approximately 3% of our population, and the number is likely significant. higher, except that many go undiagnosed. These people often suffer extraordinarily throughout their lives and cause great suffering to those who love them and interact with them. It is my intent to provide a general understanding of people affected by these disorders. But more importantly, the causes that occur during childhood so that perhaps one day the diseases can be eradicated. I will start with the baby who is unable to be successfully fed and soothed at birth. Newborns have minimal needs, but every need is fundamental. The inability to satisfy any of these needs causes significant difficulties in adulthood. Newborns are completely helpless; a small child is unable to think for himself. Almost all feelings are intense and require adult intervention to help the child manage the intensity. Finally, the child has absolutely no physical ability to do anything on his own, including mobility. Take a moment to try to imagine the utter helplessness and dependence on another for everything, hunger, comfort, warmth, communication, and even the ability to calm down. A child is born in a symbiotic state where he is unable to distinguish between himself and others. primary care provider. This is the foundation of trust. The caregiver must anticipate the child's needs and be able to interpret nonverbal cues, as the child does not have verbal communication skills. When a primary caregiver is unable to perceive when... middle of paper......Burge Dorli Hammen Constance Borderline Personality Disorders: Symptoms of Dysfunction in Young Women Journal of Psychological Anomalies August 2000 Volume 109 Number 3Firstman, Richard , and Talan, Jamie, “The Death of the Innocents,” copyright 1997, Bantam Books, New York, NY Gabbard Glen O. MD, Psychodynamic Psychiatry, copyright 2000 American Psychiatric press P.385-491 Gunderson, John G., “Borderline” , copyright 1984, RR Donnelly and Sons, United States of America. Kohut, Heinz, “The Search for Self,” volumes 3, 4, copyright 1991, International Universities Press, New York, NY Roberts Donald D. Phd, Psychodynamic Psychology, Shorter-term treatment of borderline personality disorder: developmental relationships between self and Subject Winter 2000 Volume 17 Number 1Scholte Everit M. Contemporary Savage Spawn Psychology: Reflections on Violent Children December 2000 Volume 95 Number 6Spitzer, Robert L., MD, Chair of the Review Working Group, “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,” III R, copyright 1987, American Psychiatric Association, USA. Stern, Daniel, “The Interpersonal World of the Infant”, copyright 1985, Basic Book, United States of America.