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Dark Personality Psychology Personality Psychology

The Main Character Syndrome: A Philosophical Defence

the main character syndrome

Everything that we know about the world is filtered through our own subjective lens. Our trials and tribulations are unique. Our experiences might hold some similarities with others. However, they are distinct and separate from many of the people around us.

Even our siblings do not share the same views about everything. This reality is partly what causes the main character syndrome.

However, many of us are aware that we are not the only ones facing challenges very similar to us. Rather, every person we know has experienced almost the same spectrum of emotions as us.

But…

Plato posits the idea that some people are born different. And if they are cultivated in a certain way, they are the ones who are best suited to be leaders.

And is it not true?

I argue that it is desirable. But I am not sure if it is true.

A person with the main character syndrome, however, would agree with Plato. This person would believe that his/her goals in life are higher than others. This person would argue that they are destined to achieve ‘greatness’ in some way.

As most things in life, there is a positive aspect and a negative aspect to this thought.

Higher Goals in Life

Everyone’s goals are important to them.

But there still are goals that have a higher probability of making life better in some way for a large number of people.

You can either do it for the people around you. Or you can do it for yourself. In both cases, if one sets a high ceiling for themselves, there are chances you will be changing entire lives.

For example, Isaac Newton simply became curious about whether the speed at which the apple fell from the tree to the ground could be calculated, replicated and whether this rate was universal.

And he came upon the Law of Gravitation!

The goal does not have to address a global problem. But it is about solving a significant, functional problem. If it is a significant enough problem, even if you are doing it for yourself, you can help a lot of people!  

Belief in One’s Abilities

A clear positive of the main character syndrome is belief in one’s ability.

As social media grows in power with each passing day, we become even more embroiled in what we cannot do. According to a study, social media usage is linked to thinking that most problems in your life are caused because there is something wrong with you.

The main character syndrome can help you look on the other side.

I am bound to have a major impact on the world.

While the thought is not completely rational, it does provide you an opportunity to use your strengths.

Moreover, belief in possibilities can also reinforce you by itself. The higher goal that you have and the skills you develop along the way, all point to the confirmation that you are probably going to do something great.

There is obviously a mature way of looking at that.

But, what’s the point? The concept of destiny is in itself a motivator.  

Tendency to Improve

Research has indicated that grandiose narcissism is positively related to openness to change. That is, in order to improve one’s stature, grandiose narcissists can adapt to newer situations and skills.

When you are the main character, everything in your life is there to build your character. You are going to have entire character arcs and ultimately, you will get to the things you always wanted.

Or that’s basically what we think anyways.

Some important characters in your life fire you up. Some teach you important lessons. Yet others throw obstacles your way.

Being the main character that you are, you grow through it all. And you prove to your friends, family, the naysayers and the supporters that you truly are a force to reckon with.

This is actually a very useful approach to life.

Well, as long as you demonstrate enough grit.

Conclusion

The utility of any philosophy can be counted on how good it can either explain the world or improve it. For that reason, the main character syndrome can be a very positive condition for one to have. While it might not explain the world completely, it can make a person feel important in their life. They might actually end up doing a lot of good because of that.

However, there is always the danger of some event eventually knocking a person out of this mindset. Worse yet, such an event might knock them out of the positive part of this protagonist syndrome.

Whatever the case maybe, there are many positives to be gained from the main character syndrome.

Hell, even I might consider it!

Categories
Dark Personality Psychology Personality Psychology

The Positives of Machiavellianism

Positives of Machiavellianism

Classically, Machiavellianism has been seen as a negative trait. To define it briefly, Machiavellianism is a tendency towards intentionally and strategically manipulating others to gain and keep power and control. It is also a part of the Dark Tetrad traits of personality.

However, is there nothing positive to be gleaned from Machiavellianism?

I argue that there are small snippets of lessons that we might learn from this Dark Tetrad trait.

Navigating Through Organizations

In unstructured organizations, Machs seem to have an edge. They do best when they have less management oversight, less regulations, and greater decision-making authority. While this is not an ideal environment – it does show that Machiavellians can navigate through and perhaps benefit from work environments in which there is less discipline.

Moreover, if the individual displays some genuine sincerity, there are higher chances of professional success. Not only that, another aspect of Machiavellianism, ‘planfulness’ also can be beneficial for one’s success. Some research has also indicated that people high in this trait have better political skills.

Political skills, while often considered undesirable, do predict career success in certain situations. This is because workers who possess strong political skills may be able to manage their staff more effectively than through management techniques

Furthermore, Machiavellians tend to do better in marketing occupations, somewhat. Their expertise or confidence while promoting a certain product or service could be invaluable here.

However, there is an important caveat here.

According to Zettler and Solga (2013), work performance and Machiavellianism share a complex relationship. Having a high Machiavellianism level might improve work performance in the short term by creating positive initial impressions or a positive social reputation.

But in the long run, these advantages are countered by manipulative and cynical interpersonal interactions.

Manipulation with Low Cost

The belief in using manipulation to accomplish one’s goals in the workplace, when required, is known as organizational Machiavellianism. People who are at ease taking advantage of others and do it when it suits them are known as organizational Machiavellians.

Manipulation does not always have to be at the cost of the other person.

Instead, people who have high Machiavellian tendencies may also be very flexible and courteous; they are not always vengeful, cruel, or callous.

“(Monarchs) ought, at suitable seasons of the year, entertain the people with festivals and shows” (Machiavelli, p. 61).

Such conduct obviously comes across as courteous and accommodating.

As said earlier, manipulation done with genuine regard might actually portray the individual in a better light.

All without using deceit!

Learning Lessons from the Past

An important part of Machiavellianism is not repeating mistakes of the past. Also, incorporating positive points used previously can only increase your chances for success.

“… as to the mental training of which we have spoken, a prince should read histories, and in these should note the actions of great men, observe how they conducted themselves in their wars, and examine the causes of their victories and defeats, so as to avoid the latter and imitate them in the former.” (Machiavelli, p. 8)

If you disengage your personal cultural or social biases from your strategies you can also be open to try newer things.

This can actually be an adaptive attitude towards everything in life! Conventionally ‘good’ traits or practices can also be taken advantage of, if the person does not apply them smartly.

Competitiveness

According to a study on athletes, Machiavellianism is positively associated with task performance and competitiveness.

If you want to remain in power or gain it, you are likely to view others as your competition. This is, strictly speaking, not a bad thing. Competitiveness can predict better performance in various tasks. And competitiveness is associated with almost all the dark personality traits.

A Word of Caution

With the recent trend towards seeing ‘dark psychology’ as a positive thing, it does seem there are some benefits to it. Taking a look at authors like Robert Greene also would let you know some of the positives.

But there are major caveats to the popular explanation.

Is Machiavellianism Related to Intelligence?

Firstly, it is frequently believed that Machiavellians possess greater intellect. This perception is due to their proficiency in manipulating others, particularly when it comes to social comprehension. However, it is well documented that there is no connection between Machiavellianism and IQ.

One could also make the inference that Machiavellians would be better at interpreting emotions of others. However, here too there has been a negative correlation between Machiavellianism and emotional intelligence (EQ).

Conclusion

Niccolo Machiavelli was primarily concerned with advising rulers on how to best preserve order. He urged rulers to use a variety of actions, only a few of which were dishonest, in order to preserve the necessary order.

As a result, the Machiavellian concept is intrinsically complex.

Machiavelli’s manual translates into the use of dishonesty in the context of contemporary organizations, only when it is required to hold onto power and efficiently manage people.

Consequently, it should be evident that Machiavelli’s recommendations included more acceptable methods in addition to manipulativeness.

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Psychiatric Disorders

What Causes Stress Disorders (Acute Stress Disorder & Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)

How intrusive thoughts in PTSD pollute the mind

Stress disorders are psychiatric conditions that occur as a response to psychological trauma. In this article, I will attempt to explain how these symptoms can develop following a traumatic event. There are two major stress disorders, known as Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.

Trauma Response

Dramatic and malignant events in human life often can be traumatic. When a person’s sense of identity, worth and the meaning of everything they do has been challenged in a cruel incident, they tend to have long lasting effects. These vile incidents have two major aspects to them. They are

  • Physical
  • Psychological
  • Mixture of both

Physical Violence

Some traumatic incidents constitute physical or sexual violence. Both the actual happenstance of violence and the threat of violence can be considered ‘violent’ because of the involvement of extreme physical or sexual insecurity. If a certain incident made them extremely insecure about themselves, their life or autonomy, there is a chance that their responses to cope with it will be extreme as well.

Psychological Violence

Often events which cause a person extreme stress are psychologically violent. These incidents might involve exposure to or the response of extreme emotional disturbance and the loss of ‘belief’ or severe dysregulation of behavior. An example could be of a very emotionally draining divorce with a partner who was psychologically abusive.

Mixture of both

Traumatic events usually involve violence of both a physical and a psychological nature. For example, soldiers in war while also facing insecurity about their physical wellbeing also have to go through extreme amounts of psychological stress.

By the very nature of the extreme response to trauma in both Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, these violent incidents have both physical and psychological aspects.

Experience of Trauma in Acute Stress Disorder

Violence makes us hyperaware of the indications where that violence has a greater chance of influencing us. This includes the smell, sounds, and visual aspects that we were exposed to, during that incident.

So, every time the traumatized person is exposed to a similar environment or cue, they experience extreme psychological disturbance.

Why does this happen?

Well, because we want to protect ourselves from danger.

We are observing things around us, learning how things work so that we could either achieve a reward or stave off danger.

And when something really threatens our security, we tend to remember the cues around us. This is because the next time we are exposed to danger, we can cope better with it.

However, the emotional disturbance that a person with ASD or PTSD experiences during that traumatic event is too extreme. They can experience hyperventilation, severe anxiety, worry and their sleep cycle can also be disturbed significantly. These responses become conditioned to certain cues from the environment.

Thus, every time the person is exposed to similar cues, they generate such responses – especially if they pay attention to those cues.

In the case of Acute Stress Disorder, these conditioned responses become lesser and lesser, and stop before a month after the traumatic incident.

On the other hand, in the case of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, they persist for much longer periods of time.

Conclusion

Both Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder are very debilitating conditions. They can affect a person’s life to such a level that they might give up their jobs, shut off contact with others and even consider taking their own life. However, understanding how such a condition can start can help you cope with it and take the necessary actions.

If you or someone you know is experiencing this disorder, I would advise you to seek professional help. Do not take your mental health lightly!

Categories
Brain Health Psychological Tips

Your Phone is Not Your Friend

your phone is not your friend

A friend is a being that is there when you require help.

Now imagine something or someone that provides you with exactly the things you lack at the time.

You’re feeling bored? This friend provides you a lot of entertainment to witness and talk about!

You don’t feel good? This friend gives you a million things to watch and laugh at.

You feel heartbroken? This friend provides you with countless pieces of advice – often pretty contradictory.

But most of all, this friend provides you with exactly what you think you want.

And what we think we want is often not really what we require.

So, in this article, I will be talking about a few reasons why your phone is not your friend.

Easy Access to Lies

In your low mood, you can always pick up your phone, go on instagram, or facebook or tiktok and you would instantly see many people seemingly living their lives to the fullest.

Living their lives as no human can.

The simple fact of the matter is that social media portrays a very distorted version of reality. Everyone is often at their best – or worst – behavior and image.

Does a friend lie to you?

They certainly should not! I am not talking about the probability of whether a friend would lie to you or not. Rather the concept of a friend is someone who wishes you well.

Your phone, however, is not your friend.

Then what is your phone exactly?

Unhealthy Addictions

Simply put, social media, smartphones or any kind of technological devices are simply tools to help you perform specific functions. There is no ethical or moral substrate of such devices. However, what they can lead to is the main problem.

Vape pods were considered an innovation of technology. They were shown as a new way to help smokers quit tobacco! However, recently these pods are being banned across Europe because they have actually got many teenagers hooked on nicotine!

This was a device for helping people. But it ended up enabling an entire generation towards nicotine addiction.

Your smartphone on the other hand does not hand out just one problem.

This device, unlike the vape pods cannot be banned. Moreover, it has become a part of daily life. You need your phone to order food, get a cab, navigate the map, prepare and conduct meetings in the workplace. But just a few clicks away, there lie many of the most addictive applications ever created. These apps have been proven by research to induce stressful habits.

Among the myriad of issues, social comparison, anxiety, depression, loneliness are just a few of them.

Lower Productivity

 If you’re spending so much time on your phone, using social media, you are automatically letting it eat up your time to be productive!

Research has shown that social media usage drops employees’ productivity significantly. No wonder you are not able to get your tasks done on time! And even if you somehow get them done – think about how much better you can perform your tasks or go on new ventures just by using that time lost to social media!

Smartphone Addiction Can Mess up Social Interactions

Ever wonder why some of your elders complain about young people always being on the phone?

Well, try to get an important point across to someone who cannot maintain eye contact because they think something on their phone is more interesting.

Interesting does not equal to important. This is just one way constantly being on your phone messes up social interactions.

“The Machine is much, but it is not everything. I see something like you in this plate, but I do not see you. I hear something like you through this telephone, but I do not hear you. That is why I want you to come. Pay me a visit, so that we can meet face to face, and talk about the hopes that are in my mind.” (E. M. Forster, The Machine Stops).

While phones can be a tool to facilitate interactions, they reduce the human, irrational and emotional aspect of communication which is natural for us. Emotional expression serves an important function in our communication with other people.

Emojis may be able to give a surface level understanding of what you are feeling. But it cannot convey the entire emotion. Or the gravity of what you are talking about.

Conclusion

Our phones are devices that help us communicate. But unlike older times, they now also serve as portals to other people’s (slightly to highly) distorted presentation of the world. In fact, they have become a world in themselves because of the sheer amount of information they can give us access to.

But they are not a substitute for organic experiences. Much of the world is still organic. The food that we order, the cab driver we call, the people we see online – all are living inside an organic reality.

Let us not let our phones fool us into a world where we can access, download, delete and log out of any situation that we so desire.

Categories
Uncategorized Psychological Interventions Psychological Tips

How to Deal with Boredom

Boredom is a common experience that everyone faces at some time in their lives. It certainly is annoying. But it also has a profound impact on our psychological well-being and productivity. In this essay, we will look at practical solutions to deal with boredom.

I will also ask questions along the way – try to answer them!

While sometimes boredom is natural, prolonged boredom can have a harmful impact on mental health. According to research, it can lead to feelings of emptiness, worry, and even sadness. When managed properly, boredom can actually be a stimulus for creativity, problem solution, and self-reflection.

Strategies to Overcome Boredom

To build a happy and interesting existence, boredom must be addressed immediately as well as over time. Here are some evidence-based approaches:

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness entails being completely present in the moment and accepting your current situation without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, you may have a better understanding of your emotions and ideas. And by understanding them better, you can actually identify the source of your boredom.

Are you aware of the things around you? Can you hear the little sounds you miss every day? The traffic outside, the chatter right out the door – or within your office or bedroom. There are many things that you have missed – just by being inside your head!

Deep breathing, body scans, and focused observation are simple approaches that may turn routine jobs into intriguing experiences.

Engage in Creative Activities

Boredom may be effectively alleviated via creativity. Painting, writing, and playing music engage the brain. We thus feel a sensation of achievement and delight. Cooking and gardening are also creative activities that you can do.

Have you thought about creating something lately? A dish, a painting, a poem, prose or whatever you want to create? Isn’t it time to resume that?

Set Goals and Challenges

Boredom typically occurs when we lack direction. Setting defined, attainable objectives may increase your sense of purpose and motivation. Break down major goals into smaller chores to maintain a sense of progress and success.

When was the last time you set a goal for yourself? Or have you already set one and don’t know where to start?

Change Your Environment

Sometimes a change of location is all that is required to reenergize your thoughts. Changing your environment, whether by exiting your office, going for a stroll, or visiting a new area, can bring fresh insights and inspiration.

Have you gone out recently? Or have you been living in the same environment day in and day out?

Learn Something New

Challenging your brain with new information or abilities can also prevent boredom. Consider taking up a hobby, enrolling in an online school, or delving into a topic you’ve always been interested in.

What are the things you are interested in? Or had an interest in?

Continuous learning maintains the mind sharp and interested.

Connect with Others

Human connection is a natural cure for boredom. Contact friends, relatives, or coworkers to arrange a discussion or shared activity. Social relationships not only ease boredom, but also improve general well-being.

Are you neglecting your friends? Are you neglecting important relationships? Should you, maybe, check in with them?

Embrace Solitude

You don’t always have to run away from boredom. Sometimes, sitting with your boredom and allowing yourself to contemplate may lead to great insights and self-discovery. Journaling or meditating during these times might help you examine your ideas and feelings more fully.

Do you think you have been neglecting yourself?

If you have been, then perhaps it is time for a change!

Limit Passive Consumption

While surfing through social media or binge-watching TV shows may appear to be simple ways to relieve boredom, these activities frequently leave us feeling disappointed. Instead, choose active participation, such as reading a thought-provoking book, engaging in a virtual workshop, or doing a hands-on project.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is a known mood enhancer and boredom killer. Exercise causes the release of endorphins, which boosts mood and energy. Yoga, jogging, and dance may all bring a sense of purpose and success.

Have you been moving around lately? How about going out for a walk alone? Or getting that gym membership you have been thinking about recently?

Cultivate Gratitude        

Gratitude changes your focus away from what you lack and toward what you value. By keeping a thankfulness book or just focusing on the wonderful parts of your life, you may cultivate a sense of fulfillment and prevent boredom.

Is there something in your life that you are glad you have? It could be anything, a pet, a good friend, family – a good bedroom or bed.

Why not make it a point to acknowledge these things once a day, maybe?

Perhaps, it might change your mind.

When to Seek Help

Boredom that persists and interferes with your everyday functioning may indicate the presence of underlying disorders such as depression or anxiety. In such instances, receiving assistance from a mental health expert is critical. Therapy may help you recognize and treat the fundamental causes of your feelings, giving you the tools to manage them successfully.

Conclusion

Boredom, while frequently seen negatively, is a normal and important aspect of the human experience. By recognizing its psychological roots and implementing proactive techniques, you may turn boredom into an opportunity for growth, creativity, and self-improvement. Accept it as a signal to realign your life with activities and goals that are actually meaningful to you.

After all, in the words of existential psychologist Viktor Frankl, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”

Categories
Psychological Tips

5 Ways to Make Winter Holidays the Best Time of the Year!

The winter holidays have just arrived as the world experiences the coldest days of the year. Whether you are religious, or not, there is something very cheery about the last week of December and the New Year to come! For some, this is a time of festivities. For others it is a time to relax and get cozy. However, for some it is not perhaps the season that they look forward to.

Whatever the case might be, winter holidays provide us with a chance to rejuvenate ourselves. It has been a long year after all.

So let’s go over 5 ways you can really enjoy your time off!

Set Realistic Expectations

The holiday season carries a slew of expectations. We expect that our décor would be beautiful. We believe that we will give and/or receive ideal presents. We also expect that the family gatherings would be warm and cozy.

Realistically, however, not all of our goals or expectations can or should be met. Setting unreasonable standards can cause tension and disappointment. Here are a few things you can do instead!

  • Prioritize traditions: Keep up with traditions that give you and your close ones joy and let go of the more burdensome ones.
  • Communicate your expectations: Talk about what you are expecting from the upcoming dinners or gatherings with family and friends to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Practice gratitude: Focus on what you have rather than what you need.

Controlling expectations can vastly decrease stress. It can also make it easier for you to relish the times that are most important.

Cultivate Meaningful Connections

Holidays and festivities can provide a fantastic time to enhance your social ties. However, socializing around this time can be overwhelming. This is especially true if you are dealing with family disputes or feel alone. So,

  • Connect more: Hang out with your friends, attend community events, or volunteer to alleviate loneliness.
  • Set boundaries: Limit encounters that are emotionally taxing or harmful to ensure your well-being.
  • Have quality interactions: Deep, meaningful communication frequently outperforms surface-level small conversations. Share memories, show appreciation, and participate in activities that promote intimacy.

Social ties are a vital component in promoting happiness and minimizing feelings of loneliness, making them essential over the holidays.

Embrace Mindful Practices                

The holiday season can be a flurry of shopping, cooking, and partying. This leaves little time for relaxation. Incorporating mindfulness into your daily practice might help you remain grounded.

  • Be present: Enjoy every moment, whether it’s a peaceful evening with hot chocolate or a festive Christmas celebration.
  • Meditate: Set some time aside for some peace and quiet for a few minutes everyday to decrease stress and enhance emotional resiliency.
  • Refrain from over-scheduling: Make time for self-care activities, such as reading a book, going for a stroll, or having a sleep.

Mindfulness enables you to appreciate the now instead of stressing about the past or future, which improves your whole holiday experience.

Balance Giving and Receiving

Gift giving is a ritual in many festivities, but it can also be stressful. Finding a balance between giving and receiving might make the encounter more enjoyable.

  • Keep it meaningful: Prioritize meaningful presents above expensive ones. Handmade objects, customized remarks, or experiences can have a greater meaning.
  • Express gratitude: Accept presents with thanks and avoid feeling obligated to return in like.
  • Be generous: Offer your time, attention, or aid people in need. Volunteering or supporting a good cause might increase your sense of accomplishment too.

Giving and receiving gifts are both important components of pleasure. Generosity activates brain areas associated with pleasure and happiness, generating a positive feedback loop.

Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

One can easily neglect healthy habits during the holidays. However, maintaining balance is critical for overall well-being. Here are a few things you can include in your checklist:

  • Physical exercise: Regular physical exercise helps alleviate seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and improve mood. Consider winter sports such as ice skating, skiing, or a brisk stroll in nature.
  • Eat mindfully: Limit holiday sweets and prioritize healthful meals.
  • Sleep adequately: Get enough sleep to manage stress and preserve emotional balance. Establish a consistent sleeping schedule, especially throughout the holidays.
  • Seek support from a trustworthy friend, family member, or therapist if experiencing stress or mental health difficulties.

Prioritizing self-care guarantees that you’ll have the energy and emotional capacity to truly enjoy the holiday season.

Bonus Tip: Create Your Own Traditions

The temptation to follow long-standing customs may often take away from the joy of the holiday season. Consider inventing new routines that appeal to you and your loved ones.

  • Cultural fusion: Combine customs from many origins to create a unique family or community.
  • Go on a personal trip: Enjoy your trip alone by pampering yourself or going on a solitary excursion.
  • New Year’s Resolution: Use the holidays to write, establish plans for the coming year, or relive memories.

Personalized rituals may make the holiday feel more real and meaningful.

The winter holidays may be spectacular. But remember, they don’t have to be flawless to be fun. You may make this season more joyful and fulfilling by following all of the little tidbits listed above. Remember, the holidays have typically the smallest moments of connection, thankfulness, and self-compassion.

Categories
Personality Psychology

Psychoeducation: Do I have Personality Issues?

Navigating through one’s troubles is difficult. To have issues is part of being human. However, it can often feel as if our problems are not really solvable.

So what does one do?

Perhaps one of your colleagues said something particularly rude to you. Or maybe things at home seem to be conflicted. Maybe the person you love or have feelings for has started acting cold. Problems in relationships are inevitable.

But do you feel as if others can never understand you?

Do you try to one-up every other person you are in conflict with?

Or perhaps you feel incredible ‘pain’ when the people you trust do not meet your expectations.

And you do not see this level of pain in others.

It’s not that you don’t feel happy. You feel very happy when things are going right.

But when things are not going okay, it becomes impossible to stand it. So, to cope with this, you react explosively or even violently. This can even mean that you try to control this pain by hurting yourself physically.

If you have felt this way throughout most of your life, you might have features of a personality disorder.

What is a Personality Disorder?

Personality is a complex system of enduring traits and/or behaviors. It remains generally stable throughout life. So, a personality disorder is basically enduring sets of traits or behaviors that cause significant problems throughout one’s life.

How does a Personality Disorder Develop?

Most personality researchers agree on the fact that personality starts developing during childhood when an individual is exposed to various concepts, beliefs and behaviors. For example, a child born to more conservative parents is more likely to have conservative beliefs and behaviors. However, as the child grows older, other people begin influencing him/her. Friends and peers became a major part of life during school years. Teachers also play a major role.

Nevertheless, at some point, the individual gathers enough information to adopt certain patterns of thinking and behaving.

Following this line of reasoning, a personality disorder emerges when there are some major conflicts early on in an individual’s life. These could be a very conflict-ridden relationship between the parents. Or it could be how a caregiver might be too strict or too lenient with this person.

Moreover, a child might be shamed publicly at school or in the playground, which could make them behave in ways to protect themselves. And these behaviors could then become very inflexible.

Experiencing Personality Issues

If an individual feels as if the environment that his or her parents or caregivers have given them does not match the environment of practical or general life – this causes problems. This happens for most – if not all – of us. However, imagine if your childhood environment was very mismatched with the environment outside, in practical life.

Personality issues and disorders are ‘out of the social norm.’ If they were within the social norms, they would not be called major problems.

Hence, people who experience these personality problems tend to feel as if they are separated from everyone else’s experience. They might not understand how ‘regular people’ deal with life’s tribulations so easily.

On the other hand, some people with personality issues might feel as if they deal with these problems better than others. They may view themselves as superior. Because that is what they have felt much early on in life.

Such individuals might try to seek out people who are like them. A person with narcissistic personality disorder might thus try to associate with individuals who they perceive better than others. Similarly, an individual with borderline personality disorder might feel more drawn to people that have been traumatized as well.

If you find that your attachment styles in social relationships compromise them, especially if this has happened throughout your life, there is a high probability that you have personality complications. Furthermore, if your social behaviors seem to cause others a lot of issues – or even if you alone think that they have always troubled others – there too is a high probability of personality issues.

However, how can you be sure that there really is a significant problem?

Why Self-Diagnosis Can Do More Harm than Good

Self-diagnosis is the behavior of assigning oneself a disorder and/or disease without consulting with a certified practitioner. This behavior is concerning because it can make the individual try to act according to the condition they have diagnosed themselves with. They might not have that issue. But they might try to assume the stereotypical image of the disorder.

Moreover, relying solely on self-diagnosis might result in the person not seeking the relevant management for the problem. The presentation of bipolar 2 disorder and borderline personality disorder can often be very similar. But the way they are treated is very different. Wrongly assuming that you have a personality disorder can unnecessarily put off the correct management plan.

Personality issues are significant problems in behavior that might elude to a personality disorder. If you believe that you or someone you know might have this, it is important to seek the relevant help. By doing so, you can help improve or even save lives.

Categories
Psychiatric Disorders

Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria and Features of Prolonged Grief Disorder

One of the worst yet most frequent stresses in life is losing a loved one, which sets off a series of emotional, mental, and behavioral reactions that come to be known as grieving. People’s grief reactions vary depending on how they adjust to a significant death; they are not based on predetermined stages. When someone experiences a significant death, most go on to effectively adjust to the loss over time, and their sorrow develops from an acute to a more integrated state. A person who has lost more than one loved one may react to each death’s intense sorrow differently, based on a number of variables such as the deceased’s relationship to the survivor and other circumstances related to the particular loss. Acute grieving often entails a time of intense feelings and obsession with memories and thoughts of the departed individual, which may lead to a period of diminished involvement in life and previous activities. The duration and severity of acute grieving vary, and it is influenced by culture and religion. Most grieving people have integrated sorrow after this intense phase of mourning, which means they have come to terms with the loss and are able to meaningfully resume their life without the departed.

However, a sizable minority may experience relentless grieving reactions that lead to functional impairment that surpasses cultural norms; historically, these reactions have been classified as complex, traumatic, persistent, or pathological; more recently, Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) has become the accepted term.

According to the empirical evidence, PGD prevalence estimates varies from 10.4% to 32%. Gender, cognitive avoidance, long-term stresses such financial difficulties, trauma or other losses, and exposure to these factors seem to be linked to more severe symptoms or maybe a larger chance of PGD. On the other hand, statistics indicate that social support could be shielding.

As far as the diagnosis of PGD is concerned, the DSM 5 TR has put forward the following criteria and features to identify PGD:

Diagnostic Criteria

A. A person close to the bereaved died at least 12 months ago.

B. Since the death, there has been a consistent grief reaction marked by either one or both of the following symptoms, which remain present on the majority of days to a clinically significant degree. Furthermore, the symptom(s) have happened almost every day for at least the last month:

  1. Strong desire/longing for the deceased individual.
  2. Obsession with thoughts or recollections of the departed person (among children and adolescents, preoccupation may center on the circumstances of the death).

C. Following the death, no less than three of the following symptoms have been persisted on the majority of days in a clinically meaningful way. Furthermore, the symptoms have appeared almost every day for at least the last month:

  1. Identity disturbance (e.g., feeling as if a part of oneself has perished) following death.
  2. A strong sensation of disbelief regarding the death.
  3. Avoidance of reminders that the person has died (in children and adolescents, this may manifest as efforts to avoid reminders).
  4. Extreme emotional suffering (e.g., anger, bitterness, and grief) caused by the death.
  5. Difficulty reintegrating into one’s relationships and activities following death.
  6. Emotional numbness (no sign or significant reduction in emotional experience) as a result of death.
  7. Feeling as if existence is pointless after death. 8. Extreme loneliness as a result of the death.

D. The disturbance results in clinically substantial distress or impairment in social, vocational, or other critical areas of functioning.
E. The duration and severity of the grief reaction plainly exceed the individual’s cultural and religious norms.
F. The symptoms cannot be explained by another mental disorder, such as major depressive disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder, and they are not caused by the physiological effects of a drug (e.g., medication, alcohol) or another medical condition.

Diagnostic Features

  • Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) is a condition marked by a persistent and maladaptive grief reaction.
  • It can be diagnosed when symptoms last at least 12 months following the death of a close connection (6 months in children and adolescents).
  • PGD is characterized by a chronic grief reaction that includes deep desire or wanting for the departed, continuous obsession with memories or ideas about them, or, for children, the circumstances of the death.
  • The acute craving or obsession must be persistent on the majority of days and to a clinically noticeable extent for at least the previous month.
  • Furthermore, at least three of the subsequent signs and symptoms need to be present. Among these are identity disruptions, such having the sensation that a piece of oneself has vanished.
  • Another sign that someone is having trouble accepting the loss is disbelief about the death.
  • Key signs also include avoiding thoughts of the deceased and experiencing severe emotional distress, such as remorse or wrath.
  • Emotional numbness and trouble reintegrating into social interactions and activities are possible symptoms.
  • PGD is additionally characterized by a pervasive sensation of profound loneliness or meaninglessness in life.
  • The majority of the time, these symptoms must be present to a clinically significant extent, severely impairing the person’s ability to operate on a daily basis and maintain emotional stability.
  • These symptoms must cause considerable discomfort or impairment in social, occupational, or other crucial areas of functioning while also exceeding ordinary societal, cultural, or religious standards.
  • PGD may impact people of all genders, social backgrounds, and cultures, indicating a common yet diverse mourning experience.

Categories
Psychiatric Disorders

Prevalence, Causes, Diagnostic Criteria and Features of Adjustment Disorders

Adjustment disorder is defined as a maladaptive emotional and/or behavioral reaction to an identified psychosocial stressor, encompassing people who struggle to adjust after a stressful event on a scale disproportionate to the amount or degree of the stressor. The symptoms are distinguished by stress responses inconsistent with socially or culturally anticipated reactions to the stressor and/or produce significant anguish and deterioration in daily functioning. Unlike posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress disorder (ASD), which have specific criteria for what defines a traumatic experience, adjustment disorder guidelines are not specific about what might be considered a stressor.

Population-based studies have revealed prevalence rates of less than 1%, which might be attributed to limitations in the diagnostic techniques utilized. In contrast, more recent studies employing improved diagnostic methods reported prevalence rates of 2% in general population studies. Rates are substantially higher in high-risk populations, such as the recently jobless (27%), and the widowed (18%).

Furthermore, research has discovered that feminine gender, younger age, unemployment, stress, physical disease and injury, limited social support, and a history of mental health issues all predict adjustment disorders. The majority of these factors distinguish persons with adjustment issues from those without mental health conditions. Participants with adjustment problems are more likely to be involved in accidents than those with posttraumatic stress disorder, although they had been far less likely to have been assaulted, neglected, or maltreated. More study is needed to discover the characteristics that distinguish adjustment disorders from other mental health illnesses.

The diagnostic criteria and features of adjustment disorders are discussed next in light of DSM 5 TR:

Diagnostic Criteria

A. Within three months of the stressor(s) beginning, the emergence of behavioral or emotional symptoms in reaction to one or more recognized stressors.
B. One or both of the following demonstrate the clinical significance of these symptoms or behaviors:
1. Noticeable suffering that is disproportionate to the stressor’s intensity or severity, taking into consideration cultural and environmental variables that may have an impact on the presentation and severity of symptoms.
2. Considerable impairment in critical domains of functioning, such as social, professional, or other.
C. The stress-related disturbance is not only an aggravation of a previous mental disorder; it does not fit the criteria for another mental disorder.
D. Prolonged grief is not a better explanation for the symptoms, which do not reflect typical grieving.

E. The symptoms disappear when the stressor or its effects have passed, usually within a further six months.
Indicate whether:
F43.21. Feeling down: There is a general sense of melancholy, tears, or hopelessness.
F43.22. When there is anxiety, the main symptoms are jitteriness, nervousness, or separation anxiety.
F43.23. With mixed anxiety and a gloomy mood: Anxiety and depression are the main symptoms.
F43.24. When it comes to disruptive behavior: disruptive behavior predominates.
F43.25. With a combined disturbance of emotions and behavior: The major symptoms are a disruption of conduct as well as emotional symptoms (such as sadness, and anxiety).
F43.20 Unspecified. Maladaptive responses that cannot be assigned to a particular category of adjustment disorder.
Indicate if:
Acute: If symptoms have persisted for less than six months, this specifier can be used to describe them.
Chronic (persistent): This specifier can be used to describe symptoms that have persisted for at least six months. By definition, the duration of symptoms cannot continue past six months following the cessation of the stressor or any associated repercussions. Therefore, when a disturbance lasts longer than six months as a result of a chronic stressor or a stressor with long-lasting effects, the persistent specifier is applicable.

Diagnostic Features

  • The primary characteristic of adjustment disorders is the manifestation of behavioral or emotional symptoms in reaction to a recognized stressor (Criterion A).
  • One stressor may be the end of a love connection, for example, or there could be several stressors at once, such as persistent marital issues and business setbacks.
  • Stressors can be continuous (e.g., a chronic painful sickness with growing handicap, living in a crime-ridden area) or cyclical (e.g., linked to seasonal business problems, unfulfilling sexual relationships).
  • Stressors can impact a single person, a family as a whole, or a wider society (such as a natural disaster).
  • Specific developmental events (such as starting school, moving away from or back into one’s parent’s house, getting married, starting a family, not achieving career ambitions, etc.) may come with certain pressures.

Categories
Psychiatric Disorders

Prevalence, Diagnostic Criteria, and Features of Acute Stress Disorder

Acute stress disorder (ASD) was added to the DSM-IV 20 years ago, but not much is known about how common it is, especially in the general community. ASD is a different diagnosis from PTSD, but the only difference is how long the symptoms last. This makes it harder to figure out how common ASD is. The rate of ASD varies a lot depending on the study and the type of stress. The rates of ASD were found to be 24.0% to 24.6% less than one week after an injury and 11.7% to 40.6% one to two weeks after an accident.

Survey-based studies show that twenty to ninety percent of people have at least one very stressful event happen to them in their life. Even though a lot of people are vulnerable, only 1.3% to 11.2% of people with ASD went on to develop a long-term disease with symptoms, like PTSD.

Studies show that ASD is the main cause of problems in many areas of living. It affects people of all ages and affects both mental and physical health. However, it makes life less enjoyable and social events less fun. Therefore, diagnosis and treatment of this disorder is imperative for optimal functioning. The diagnostic criteria and features of ASD in light of DSM 5 TR are outlined below:

Diagnostic Criteria

A. Being exposed to death, major damage, or sexual violence in one or more of the ways below, or being threatened with them:
1. Going through the painful event(s) firsthand.
2. Being there in person to see the event(s) as other people saw them.

3. Learning that the event(s) happened to a close family member or close friend.
Note: If a family member or friend was killed or was about to be killed, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental.
4. Being exposed to the painful event(s) over and over again or in a very strong way (for example, first responders receiving dead bodies or police officers being exposed to details of child abuse over and over again).
Note: This does not cover exposure from electronic media like TV, movies, or pictures unless the exposure is connected to work.
B. Having nine or more of the following symptoms from any of the five groups: intrusion, negative mood, dissociation, avoidance, and arousal, starting or getting worse after the stressful event(s):

Intrusion Symptoms

1. Recurrent, involuntary, and intense upsetting thoughts of the stressful event(s). Note: Children may play over and over again, and in those games, they may show themes or parts of the stressful event(s).
2. Frequent, upsetting dreams about the event(s) that have something to do with the dream’s content or mood. Note: Kids can have scary dreams that don’t make sense.
3. The person feels or acts as if the stressful event(s) are happening again, which is known as a dissociative response. (These kinds of responses can happen on a scale, with losing consciousness being the worst.) It’s important to note that children may recreate stress in their play.
4. Severe or long-lasting mental discomfort or clear physical responses to internal or external cues that represent or look like a part of the stressful event(s).

Negative Mood

5. The persistent inability to feel good emotions, such as the inability to feel happy, satisfied, or caring.

Dissociative Symptoms

6. A change in how real one’s surroundings or oneself seems (for example, seeing oneself from someone else’s point of view, being in a daze, or time slowing down).
7. Not being able to remember an important part of the traumatic event(s) (usually because of detached amnesia and not after a head injury, drinking, or using drugs).

Avoidance Symptoms

8. Trying to stay away from memories, thoughts, or feelings that are upsetting and related to the stressful event(s).
9. Trying to stay away from things, people, places, talks, activities, items, and situations that bring up upsetting memories, thoughts, or feelings related to or connected to the traumatic event(s).

Arousal Symptoms

10. Sleep disturbance (e.g., trouble going or staying asleep, restless sleep).
11. Irritable behavior and bouts of anger that happen with little or no reason, usually by being violent or screaming at people or things.
12. Being too alert.
13. Having trouble focusing.
14. A shock reaction that is too strong.
C. The disturbance (the signs in Criterion B) lasts three days to one month after the shock.
Note: Symptoms usually start immediately after the stress, but they have to last for at least three days and no more than one month to meet the standards for a disorder.
D. The disturbance leads to sadness or problems in social, professional, or other important areas of functioning that are clinically serious.
E. The disturbance is not caused by the effects of a drug (like booze or medicine) or a medical condition (like a mild traumatic brain injury) and there aren’t any other conditions that would explain it better.

Diagnostic Features

  • After one or more stressful incidents, acute stress disorder symptoms persist for three days to one month (Criterion A). These symptoms match PTSD Criterion A (see “Diagnostic Features” for PTSD).
  • The symptoms of acute stress disorder vary, but most entail an anxious reaction to the stressful experience.
  • Intrusion, negative mood, disconnectedness, avoidance, and excitation symptoms are signs (Criterion B1–B14).
  • Dissociated or detached looks may be the predominant trait, yet these people frequently have significant emotional or bodily reactions to trauma reminders.
  • A strong anger reaction might cause restlessness or hostility in certain people.
  • PTSD Criterion B1–B5 intrusion symptoms resemble “Diagnostic Features” symptoms.
  • Remember that acute stress disorder Criterion B4 covers PTSD Criterion B4 and B5.
  • Acute stress disorder can prevent people from feeling happiness, joy, fulfillment, intimacy, compassion, or sexuality. However, they may experience fear, despair, rage, guilt, or humiliation (Criterion B5).
  • Depersonalization and derealization are changes in awareness that can cause one to think things are moving slowly, see things in a daze, or not notice events that one would normally encode (Criterion B6).
  • Some say they cannot remember a crucial portion of the distressing incident that was undoubtedly stored in their brain.
  • Criteria B7 states that dissociative forgetting causes this illness, not head injuries, alcohol, or narcotics.
  • Avoiding pain-related stimuli is consistent.
  • The person may distract themselves or use drugs to block out internal reminders of the event (Criterion B8), as well as conversations, activities, places, things, or people that remind them of it (Criterion B9).
  • Many persons with acute stress disorder have problems sleeping and keeping asleep.
  • This may be due to nightmares, safety concerns, or heightened alertness that prevents sleep (Criterion B10).
  • Acute stress disorder can cause people to shout, fight, or smash items without being provoked (Criterion B11).
  • After a car accident, people with acute stress disorder are more aware of the dangers of cars and trucks, as well as those unrelated to the trauma (Criterion B12).
  • Concentration issues (Criterion B13) might cause someone to forget their phone number, or everyday events like finishing a book or newspaper, or focus on one thing for a long period, like listening to a speaker.
  • Acute stress disorder sufferers may jump or be startled by loud noises like ringing phones or unexpected sights (Criterion B14).
  • Startle answers are automatic and immediate.
  • Strong startle reactions (Criterion B14) are not always associated with stress.
  • After a traumatic occurrence, three days to one month should pass (Criterion C).
  • Symptoms following an event that lasts less than three days are not acute stress disorder.