Failure to Launch
McLean Counseling Center
Has your young adult child dropped out of college after a few months or been unable to maintain a job?
Does your young adult spend countless hours browsing the internet, chatting with friends, or watching TV with no plans for their future?
Has your child withdrawn from friends and family? Is their shyness having a paralytic effect on their social life?
Your child may have Failure to Launch Syndrome.
Failure to Launch Syndrome
Failure to Launch Syndrome is a combination of psychiatric and psychological disorders that often go undiagnosed, impeding your child’s ability to flourish into adulthood.
These can present as mild to moderate issues in childhood that steadily worsen over time. If untreated, your child’s education or work life may suffer and their quality of life may continue to decline. They may struggle to finish school, may flounder in the workplace, and find themselves unable to move forward in life.
As time passes, if the underlying causes of Failure to Launch Syndrome are left untreated, symptoms often worsen. This leaves individuals at higher risk to develop more severe psychiatric conditions such as major depression or substance use disorder.
Everyone faces setbacks in life. But if your child’s slump is deep and persistent, it may be time to take action.
Symptoms of Failure to Launch Syndrome
- Inability to hold down a job or stay in school
- Withdrawing emotionally or physically from friends and family
- Disrupted sleep-wake cycles (staying up late at night and sleeping most of the day)
- Social anxiety or difficulty socializing (often interpreted as severe shyness)
- Defiance
- Impulsivity
- Overuse of video games, social media, etc.
- Substance use or dependence
Potential Causes of Failure to Launch Syndrome
Like the syndrome itself, Failure to Launch Syndrome often has complex origins. But these are some of the most common causes of Failure to Launch Syndrome:
- Parental divorce
- Disruptive family relationships
- Frequent relocations
- Unresolved trauma
- Untreated underlying mental health conditions
Treatment for Failure to Launch
Dr. Habibpour and the team at McLean Counseling Center have extensive experience working with patients struggling with Failure to Launch Syndrome. Our practice’s approach involves assessing and treating this difficult-to- diagnose, hard-to-treat syndrome as well as supporting the family as a whole.
During your phone consultation, a team member will help you determine whether your child is a good fit for the program. During the first appointment, a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist will meet with your child and the rest of the family to discuss the program.
Our providers customize their approach to treatment based on your child’s needs. They may combine family and individual therapy and may recommend medication if needed. The focus of the treatment is to get to the core of the reason why your child is experiencing certain symptoms or issues and work toward building the skills and positive coping mechanisms needed to develop into functioning adults.
Don’t let years go by while your child struggles. Find them the help they need to thrive today.
FAQs About Failure to Launch Syndrome
What is failure to launch syndrome?
Failure to launch syndrome refers to a delay of young adults struggling to transition from dependence to independence. This can cause difficulties in holding a job, continuing studies, or being productive.
What age range does Failure to Launch typically affect?
Commonly seen in individuals from 18-34 years of age. Out of these individuals, most patients are found in the early to mid 20s. This is the period where individuals need to transition from college to a job.
Is Failure to Launch linked to anxiety or depression?
Frequently, yes. One of the key causes for this syndrome is underlying mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These can also include underlying trauma and ADHD too, as they can directly contribute to avoidance and withdrawal.
What is the launch pad program?
Launch pad programs are specialised failure to launch treatment programs offered by the McLean Counseling Center. These are aimed to create the supportive environment needed for individuals with the syndrome to embrace independence.
How do you protect confidentiality of young adult patients during sessions?
Our providers carefully balance your privacy with appropriate family involvement and safety protocols. Our trusted therapists guide your treatment with proper safety protocols.
Ph: 703-821-1073
Fax: 703-288-0767
admin@mcleancounselingcenter.com
1307 Vincent Place McLean, VA 22101
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