Here are the real meanings of these 4 common psychological terms
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Calling your friend a psycho is just wrong. So is saying they’re schizo, bipolar or have OCD – that is, unless they really have a serious psychological disorder. The video below explains it all.
Why You’re Using “Schizophrenic” Wrong
- To be schizophrenic, a person has specific symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions and/or severe paranoia.
- People who actually have schizophrenia don’t need to be defined by their condition.
- Schizophrenia has nothing at all to do with split personalities.
“Bipolar” Doesn’t Mean What You Think It Means
- Bipolar correctly refers to a mood disorder, not the seesawing of the stock market.
- People with bipolar disorder can feel elated one day and dejected the next.
- A manic bipolar episode isn’t just about being hyperactive, although people with a milder form of mania called hypomania, might exhibit few if any other symptoms. Full-blown mania also causes people to feel anxious and lose their sense of proportion.
- People who have bipolar disorder aren’t cruel, irresponsible or thoughtless. However, they aren’t always aware of how what they are doing affects others or what the consequences of their actions will be.
The Problem with Your Idea of OCD
- If you think OCD means being neat and well-organized, you have it all wrong.
- OCD involves obsessions, which are thoughts that circle in your mind and cause you distress.
- OCD also involves compulsions to do strange things that you’re sure will keep you and the rest of the world safe.
Here’s What’s Wrong with Your Use of “Psycho”
- Psychopathy is a particular psychological disorder, while people often use the term “psycho” when they talk about someone they don’t particularly like or who causes them a bit of trouble.
- Psychopaths have a personality disorder that shows up in childhood or adolescence.
- Psychopathy is extremely difficult to diagnose.
- People with psychopathy, also called antisocial personality disorder, seem to have no conscience.
- People with psychopathy have no empathy for you, and they don’t have the ability to predict the consequences of their actions.
Of course, language is continually evolving, and, as time goes by, the meanings of words tend to adapt to match new trends in society. So, although you might be using the words in a way you think others can understand, the problem is that you’re being unclear to people who actually know the more formal definitions of the words.
Bottom line is, make sure you know the real meanings of these words so you can pick and choose the context you want to use them in.
