common misused psychological terms
Debunk common misused psychological terms
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When we scroll through social media these days, it is not uncommon to come across misused psychological terms that have become part of our everyday conversations.

Due to the rise in mental health awareness over the past decade, a lot of people (including me) have started to gain interest in mental health issues and try to find information about them on the internet.

The thing is, not everything written on the internet is true and valid. Unfortunately, most people don't bother to cross-check the information with experts and take the information raw right away. 

These misinterpretations can lead to misunderstandings and perpetuate misconceptions.

Based on that background, I wrote this article to shed light on several commonly misunderstood psychological terms, providing examples and explanations to help clarify their true meanings.

1. ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD for short, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can happen to both children and adults. It is characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

Example: A child with ADHD may struggle to focus in school, have difficulty following instructions, and exhibit restless behavior. They may also have trouble completing tasks or organizing their belongings. In adults, ADHD can manifest as chronic disorganization, impulsivity, and difficulty managing time or properties. 

However, ADHD is frequently misused to describe someone who is simply energetic or easily distracted.

This incorrect use of the term undermines the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD.

Also, it is important to note that not all individuals with ADHD struggle with organization or time management. Some people with ADHD may actually excel in these areas and have developed effective coping mechanisms.

Additionally, not all individuals with ADHD have difficulty following instructions or exhibit restless behavior. Some may be able to focus well in certain situations or have a calm demeanor.

Therefore, it is crucial to avoid generalizing the experiences of individuals with ADHD and recognize the variability in symptoms and manifestations of the condition. 

2. Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a manipulative tactic used to distort someone's sense of reality.

It involves psychological manipulation, making the victim doubt their own thoughts, feelings, and memories.

Example: Amanda's partner constantly denies her experiences and emotions, making her question her own sanity. This pattern of gaslighting erodes Amanda's self-confidence and ability to trust her own perceptions.

In real life, gaslighting is often misused to describe any form of disagreement or argument, diluting its true meaning. 

However, it is important to note that not all instances of disagreement or argument can be classified as gaslighting.

For instance, a healthy debate or difference in perspective does not necessarily involve manipulative tactics to make someone doubt their own thoughts.

Gaslighting specifically refers to a deliberate and systematic manipulation aimed at undermining someone's perception of reality. It is also one of the signs of an abusive relationship.

Therefore, it is crucial to recognize and address gaslighting behaviors to protect one's emotional well-being.

3. Narcissist

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by an excessive sense of self-importance, an insatiable desire for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

Example: Alex constantly seeks attention and validation from others, believing he is superior to everyone around him. His lack of empathy and disregard for others' feelings align with narcissistic traits.

On the other hand, it is important to note that not everyone who displays self-absorbed or confident behavior necessarily has narcissistic personality disorder.

Counterexample: Nina may come across as self-centered and arrogant at times, but her behavior is primarily driven by her strong ambition and desire for success rather than a deep-seated narcissistic personality disorder.

The term "narcissist" is frequently misused in casual conversation to describe someone who is self-absorbed or confident.

This misuse oversimplifies the complexities of narcissistic personality disorder and may undermine the experiences of individuals who truly struggle with this condition. 

This highlights the need for accurate understanding and careful use of the term "narcissist" to avoid mislabeling individuals based solely on superficial observations. 

4. OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

OCD is frequently misunderstood as a synonym for being highly organized or having a quirk for cleanliness.

In reality, it is a mental health condition characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that individuals feel compelled to perform to alleviate their anxiety.

This misuse can trivialize the struggles faced by individuals dealing with OCD. 

Example: Sarah feels anxious and distressed if she doesn't count every step she takes in multiple of three. This compulsive behavior helps alleviate her anxiety temporarily. 

However, this does not mean that everyone with OCD has the same compulsions or experiences.

Example: John's OCD manifests as an obsession with cleanliness. He feels an overwhelming need to constantly wash his hands, to the point where they become raw and irritated. This compulsive behavior is not a quirk or preference, but rather a debilitating mental health condition that greatly impacts his daily life. 

5. Psychopath vs. Sociopath

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to distinct personality disorders.

A psychopath is characterized by a lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and superficial charm.

On the other hand, a sociopath displays antisocial behavior, a disregard for others' rights, and impulsivity.

Example (psychopath): Ted Bundy, the notorious serial killer, exhibited psychopathic tendencies with his ability to deceive and manipulate others to achieve his sinister goals.

Example (sociopath): In contrast, John Wayne Gacy demonstrated a complete lack of empathy and remorse for his heinous crimes, as well as a disregard for the rights and well-being of his victims. His impulsive and reckless behavior further highlighted his sociopathic nature.

Understanding the differences between these terms is crucial to accurately describing individuals with such personality traits. 

6. Schizophrenia vs. Multiple Personality Disorder

Schizophrenia and Multiple Personality Disorder (also known as Dissociative Identity Disorder, or DID for short) are often confused due to their portrayal in movies and media.

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and impaired thinking.

However, it is important to note that not all individuals with schizophrenia experience delusions or impaired thinking. Some may only experience hallucinations or have relatively intact cognitive functioning.

DID, on the other hand, involves the presence of two or more distinct personality states within an individual.

Example (schizophrenia): John, diagnosed with schizophrenia, experiences auditory hallucinations, believing he hears voices that tell him to harm himself. This condition significantly impacts his daily functioning and requires ongoing treatment and support.

Example (DID): Sarah, diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder (DID), experiences the presence of multiple distinct personality states within herself. These different personalities may have their own unique behaviors, memories, and mannerisms. This condition can also greatly affect Sarah's daily life and necessitates ongoing therapy and support to manage.

Clarifying these distinctions is crucial to preventing misconceptions and reducing stigmatization.

However, it is possible for someone with schizophrenia to also have dissociative identity disorder (DID), wherein they exhibit distinct personality states. 

This complex co-occurrence challenges the previous notion that these disorders are mutually exclusive and highlights the need for comprehensive assessments and specific interventions. 

Conclusion

To sum it up, it is important to use psychological terms accurately to promote understanding and avoid perpetuating misconceptions.

By clarifying the meanings of commonly misused terms, we can foster a more accurate and informed dialogue around mental health and psychology.

So, what do you think about the explanation? Is there another misused psychological term that we haven't talked about in this article?

If there is, please mention it in the comment, and we might write the second part of this article to talk more about misused psychological terms.


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