Some individuals may select reverting to a younger state as a means to block out stress and worry. Self-helpįor others, age regression may be intentional. This type of age regression may be triggered by particular events or stressors. In this case, age regression is a form of security against fear or insecurity. In other instances, the “little” is entirely separate. They may talk like a child or begin behaving like one. In other words, the person with DID may be aware of everything, but they feel like they’re a different age. Instead, it may be a regressed version of the original personality. However, it’s believed that the “little” may not be a separate personality. People with this disorder frequently have a younger personality among their distinctive personalities. In fact, age regression may be common in people who have been diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID), a disorder formerly known as multiple personality disorder. People with a history of trauma may be more likely to regress. Plus, it’s unclear how reliable these “recovered” memories are. Some experts suggest it could be possible to “uncover” false memories. Once there, they can help them overcome the trauma and find healing. Some mental health professionals use hypnotherapy and age regression to help patients return to painful periods in their lives. ClinicalĪge regression can be used as a therapeutic technique. It might also be a coping mechanism for worries about the impact of aging.

What’s more, some individuals may begin to revert to a younger age as they grow older. In this case, the age regression may be spontaneous. Age regression could be a symptom of one of these conditions:Īge regression may occur in personality disorders when people come face to face with distressing memories or triggers. For example, some individuals experiencing significant distress or pain may revert to childlike behavior as a means to cope with anxiety or fear.Ĭertain mental health issues make age regression more likely. The length of years varies from type to type and person to person.Īge regression may be the result of a medical or psychiatric issue. People who regress revert to a younger state of mind than their physical age.Each of these age regression types share two common elements:

I regress meaning