I noticed that you presented the identical question to several BOL forums. It will probably be interesting to compare the responses.
Firstly, the Classical Adlerian approach does not rely on DSM-IV classifications for a diagnosis. A description of symptoms, followed by a cook book recipe for treatment rarely addresses the purpose of the symptoms nor the individuality of the patient. We would certainly explore the parent-child history as a potential difficulty in development. Check the "
Impact of Parenting Styles on Children" at
http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/parentin.htm, especially the "neglecting" and "rejecting" categories, as well as
The Adult Consequences of Parenting Styles" at
http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/adult.htm. Although the parental influence, especially the mother's, may be considerable, it is short-sighted to view the child as a passive victim. At some point in childhood, usually before the age of five, a style of life and fictional final goal are adopted, and these unconscious guiding dynamics become the "cause" of psychological and social difficulties. Classical Adlerian psychotherapy addresses these core dynamics, rather than the symptoms. See "
The Stages of Classical Adlerian Psychotherapy" at
http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/stages2.htm, "
The Five Phases of Classical Adlerian Family Assessment and Therapy" at [URL]http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/fam-sta.htm{/URL], and "
Providing the Missing Developmental Experience" at
http://go.ourworld.nu/hstein/provid.htm. In cases where delinquent or emerging sociopathic behavior are evident, it might be helpful to read
Before Its Too Late, by Stanton Samenow.
Connecting with an indifferent/hostile teenager is a challenge, especially if the/she has evolved into a self-pampering attitude of "expecting everything and feeling obligated to nothing." The generic tasks are building courage and a feeling of community. Often, you can only begin with an intellectual connection, because opening up emotionally is felt as too painful or dangerous. In this respect, a warm, friendly, respectful, even playful Socratic dialogue can pave a path for future emotional exploration and development. What characterizes the Classical Adlerian approach is that we do not treat symptoms directly, but attempt to gain insight into the unique individual who has the symptoms. If he/she can recognize the probable future consequences of their direction, then discover and pursue a new, more promising direction in life, their symptoms (unless they are organic) will gradually vanish.