What is Peter Pan syndrome? Symptoms and treatment

Originating from the character Peter Pan by writer James Matthew Barrie, Peter Pan syndrome is about boys who have reached adulthood but still refuse to grow up and take on responsibilities as an adult.

Peter Pan syndrome, also known as the Little Prince syndrome, is a term in psychology. People with this syndrome are already mature boys in terms of age and appearance, but psychologically, cognitively and behaviorally they are no different from children. This is a psychological syndrome that is rated as "dangerous for both love and society".

What is Peter Pan syndrome?

Surely all of us have heard of the boy Peter Pan, the fictional character of writer James Matthew Barrie and appearing in many works of Walt Disney Animation. Peter Pan is a 12-year-old teenager who wants to have fun and enjoy life. He refused to "grow up" and forever refused to grow up. Because of that feature, the name Peter Pan Syndrome - Peter Pan syndrome is also used to refer to people who forever refuse to grow up.

What is Peter Pan syndrome?

However, in the story, Peter Pan has the right to choose the life of a child with a pure soul and a brave heart, but in real life, people with Peter Pan syndrome still have to grow up externally. image. Although their age and appearance are still growing over time, their perception and behavior is no different from that of children. 

Currently, Peter Pan syndrome can be diagnosed based on signs and symptoms as a personality disorder. However, this syndrome is still not considered a disease by the World Health Organization and is not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association as a mental disorder but is considered to be Psychopathology.

What Causes Peter Pan Syndrome?

Peter Pan syndrome is not a disease that can be diagnosed by clinical measures, it has only recently been named. Therefore, there are relatively few studies investigating this phenomenon. Several factors can be thought to cause this syndrome as follows:

So well protected

According to leading psychologists, this syndrome may be the result of overprotective parents. Thus, hindering children from developing, maturing and learning necessary life skills.

Loneliness

Psychologist Humbelina Robles Ortega suggests that people with Peter Pan syndrome may fear loneliness. As such, they will be constantly looking for people who can care for them and will often be partners in an emotional connection.

Loneliness may be the cause of Peter Pan syndrome

Mental health symptoms

Some studies have found that people with Peter Pan syndrome may have personality disorders.

The role of gender

Women are often viewed by society as the ones who take on family responsibilities, the people who please others. This will cause their men to neglect these duties and avoid taking responsibility.

More and more adults are showing symptoms of Peter Pan syndrome. Peter Pan syndrome can occur in both sexes, but occurs more often in men.

Symptoms and signs of Peter Pan . syndrome

The most obvious manifestation of Peter Pan syndrome is the personality of the sufferer falling into a state of "refusing to grow up". In addition, common symptoms of Peter Pan syndrome are:

• Excessive emotion.
• Angry to indignant.
• Happiness turns to extreme panic.
• Discomfort leads to self-pity and depression .
• Difficulty expressing feelings of love.
• Always feel guilty.
• Difficult to relax.
• Not believable.
• Or cheat, play tricks on people.

When someone has Peter Pan syndrome, it often leads to consequences such as:

• Having difficulty building strong and intimate relationships with co-workers, as a result, they feel extremely alone.
• They are also not responsible for the wrong things they have done, but on the contrary they blame others for their weakness.
• They tend to ignore the real problems related to their weakness, making it easy for them to abuse drugs , alcohol, and beer to forget the obstacles in life.

How to treat Peter Pan . syndrome

Because Peter Pan syndrome is not yet considered a psychological disorder, there is no specific treatment. Treatments are only temporary such as:

• Outdoor therapy, psychotherapy.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy, strength-based therapy.
• Solution therapy, family therapy, and other appropriate treatment modalities.

Although there is no specific cure for this syndrome, sufferers can only be treated when they individually show willingness and have become aware of their disorder.

How to treat Peter Pan . syndrome

Lifestyle and home remedies can also help prevent Peter Pan syndrome, specifically:

• Since Peter Pan syndrome is a disorder caused by factors from childhood, it is advisable to direct parents to any preventive measures so that they are properly aware of how to raise their children .
• Parent workshops should be held regularly, especially for teenage parents, so that they know the right parenting techniques in a sense of responsibility.

This article has provided information about Peter Pan syndrome, causes, symptoms as well as treatment. Peter Pan syndrome is not a malignant disease, not life-threatening, but greatly affects the lives of sufferers and their loved ones, both mentally and physically. Early detection and treatment will help patients improve their current condition and prevent possible consequences.