Is Immaturity a Mental Illness?

Immature personality disorder (IPD) is an ICD-10 diagnosis characterized by lack of emotional development, low tolerance of stress and anxiety, inability to accept personal responsibility, and reliance on age-inappropriate defense mechanisms. The disorder has been "gaining prominence" in the 21st century.

What can immaturity lead to?

Whatever the cause, emotional immaturity can be crippling to one's emotional and mental well-being. The inability to be in touch with, and to properly manage one's own emotions inevitably leads to a warped self-image, dysfunctional relationships, and unhealthy attempts to cope with unacknowledged or unchecked feelings.

Where does emotional immaturity come from?

The Root Cause

More often than not, emotional immaturity arises because of either: An inability to communicate with others, which leaves them feeling misunderstood. A lack of self-control, and an inability to control their emotions. An inability to read a room or situation, which leaves them acting inappropriately.