Age Regression

Age regression is when you act, think and feel younger than you really are. Instead of handling tough situations, you go back to behaving as you did when you were a kid. It might happen because you’re feeling scared, stressed or unsure of yourself.

In some cases, it’s a choice. And other times, you don’t have any control over it.

It can affect both kids and adults. For children, it can be temporary and a normal part of development. But for adults, it may be a sign of an underlying mental disorder.

While it can feel like a safety blanket, it may prevent you from facing important tasks or taking care of yourself. Treatment is available to help you feel better.

Types of age regression

There are two types:

• Voluntary age regression: You decide when to start and stop the behavior. It’s a coping mechanism.
• Involuntary age regression: You can’t control when the behavior happens. It may link to an underlying condition.

Age regression signs and symptoms

Signs and symptoms of age regression may include:

• Aggressive behavior (hitting, scratching, kicking)
• Behavioral withdrawal (pacing, fetal position, playing “dumb”)
• Emotional outbursts (crying, temper tantrums, being rude to others)
• Loss of control of bodily functions (bedwetting, trouble controlling pee or poop)
• Inappropriate timing of sexual behavior (masturbating)
• Self-soothing behavior (carrying a stuffed animal, rocking, thumb-sucking)
• Speech and communication changes (baby talk, whining, not talking)

What causes age regression?

Age regression may be a coping mechanism. This is a way for your brain to deal with difficult situations or emotions. Triggers could be:

• Anger
• Feeling too many emotions at once
• Fear
• Frustration
• Not feeling safe or good enough
• Stress
• Trauma (abuse, neglect, violence, etc.)

As a result, these behaviors can help you feel safe and calm. It may be a way to seek comfort, support or connection from others if you have trouble expressing your feelings. It could also be a sign of an underlying mental health condition.

Age regression in children

Age regression is a typical part of childhood. It usually starts when kids are frustrated or stressed. A traumatic life event can also trigger it. Regression is their way to tell their caregivers that they need something. When that need is met, the regressive behavior usually goes away.

Age regression in adults

Adults may go back to younger ways of thinking, feeling or acting at any age after 18. Insecurities, fear or anger may trigger it. Regression is a way to help adults feel safe and secure. It may also help you forget about the stresses of everyday life.

It may be short-term and harmless. But other cases may be a sign of an underlying mental health condition. These could include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Catatonia
• Depression
• Dissociative disorders
• Neurocognitive disorders and dementia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Psychosis
• Substance abuse disorders

Age regression treatment

Treatment depends on what’s causing it. It might include:

• Calming support: You and your loved ones can create a safe, structured and supportive environment at home. This may include using gentle communication, being patient and helping you feel cared for and understood.
• Therapy: Mental health professionals can offer different types of talk therapy to help you understand your feelings and learn healthier ways to cope.
• Medications: Medications may treat underlying conditions. These could include antidepressants (depression or anxiety), antipsychotics (psychosis) or benzodiazepines (catatonia).

What are the possible risks of not treating age regression?

If adult age regression isn’t treated, symptoms may get worse. This is especially true if it’s part of an underlying mental health condition. In some cases, you might have trouble with everyday tasks or be at risk of self-harm.

If you’re in a situation where you’re having thoughts of suicide, it’s OK to reach out for help. Call or text 988 (U.S.). This is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Someone is available to talk 24/7.

When should age regression be treated by a healthcare provider?

Let a healthcare provider know if age regression lasts more than a few weeks. Sometimes, it’s just a way to cope with stress. But if it goes on too long, makes daily tasks hard or affects your relationships, it could be a sign of a bigger problem. A provider can help you figure out what’s going on and what to do next.