In recent years, therapeutic terms like “manipulation,” “gaslighting,” and various diagnostic labels have become part of everyday conversation. While raising awareness about mental health is important, the casual misuse of these terms can dilute their meaning and, more worryingly, endanger others.
The Problem with Mislabeling
When terms like “narcissist” or “gaslighting” are used loosely, they can lose their clinical significance. For example, calling someone a narcissist because they exhibit selfish behavior ignores the complex criteria required for a diagnosis of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Similarly, labeling disagreements or misunderstandings as “gaslighting” can trivialize the serious psychological abuse the term originally described.
This overuse can harm relationships, stigmatize individuals, and prevent people from getting the professional help they need. When diagnostic terms are thrown around carelessly, those truly suffering from mental health issues may feel invalidated or misunderstood. It can also lead to false accusations, damaging trust and communication between people.
How It Endangers Others
Misusing these terms doesn’t just dilute their meaning; it can also endanger others. For example, accusing someone of being manipulative or gaslighting without fully understanding the context can escalate conflicts and create unnecessary hostility. This can result in serious social consequences, from strained relationships to workplace discrimination.
Additionally, the use of terms based in incorrect information can lead to mismanagement of mental health concerns. It is important that the meaning behind words continue to carry their weight and effectively communicate the severity of an experience or situation. This dilution or twisting of terms can prevent someone from accessing the appropriate treatment or support they need.
A Call for Caution and Compassion
As therapists, we advocate for increased awareness and understanding of mental health. Instead of jumping to conclusions or labeling behaviors with clinical terms, let’s promote open, honest communication and encourage people to seek professional guidance when they’re struggling.
By being mindful of our language, we can help preserve the integrity of these important concepts and protect the mental health and well-being of ourselves and others.
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For readers seeking more information or guidance on mental health topics, consider scheduling an appointment with one of our therapists who can provide professional insight tailored to your individual needs. You can book an appointment by calling (352) 363- 1998.
Misusing clinical terms doesn’t just dilute their meaning; it can also endanger others. For example, accusing someone of being manipulative or gaslighting without fully understanding the context can escalate conflicts and create unnecessary hostility. This can result in serious social consequences, from strained relationships to workplace discrimination.
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Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by experiencing cycles of unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can cause a significant amount of distress for an individual (International OCD Foundation, 2022). This vicious cycle can be debilitating and feel endless for those who struggle with this condition. OCD can latch onto anything you can think of, and obsessions and compulsions can include:
Obsessive-compulsive Disorder can be an overwhelming force in a person’s life, and can impact even the smallest aspects of life. For some people OCD can cause changes in how they interact with their loved ones, limit what activities they feel they can do in their free time, and even the daily actions everyone does to function in our world (eating, personal hygiene routines, transportation).
When most people receive their diagnosis, they have been coping with this disorder for a long time without much improvement. Luckily, mental health providers have been able to find ways to effectively treat this pesky problem. Two effective treatment options for those out there struggling with OCD include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Medication Management.
This type of cognitive behavioral therapy is meant to help people confront the intrusive thoughts and compulsions that plague their everyday lives by slowly exposing the individual to a fear or obsession while resisting the urge to engage in the compulsive behavior that eases their anxiety.
Most people have heard the term “exposure therapy” tossed around in the media, and this has caused us to view it in a negative way. The truth of the matter is that ERP does not look like people being forced to engage in painful scenarios where they have no choice but to continue with their treatment. So what does this form of treatment actually look like?
The biggest suggestion we give to anyone who is starting their journey with ERP is that you have to remain consistent with exposures. It can be terrifying to do, but if you keep at it, then you’ll begin to notice significant changes in your life. Just breathe and take it one step at a time.
OCD, like many mental health conditions, can also be treated with medication. Typically a psychiatrist will prescribe an SSRI (an antidepressant) to help lessen the frequency of obsessions and control compulsions. The most commonly used SSRIs used to treat OCD include:
Escitalopram
(Lexapro)
Fluvoxamine
(Luvox, Faverin)
Sertraline
(Zoloft)
Fluoxetine
(Prozac)
Paroxetine
(Paxil, Pexeva)
Clomipramine
(Anafranil)
Your doctor may end up prescribing a different kind of medication based on your individual case. Make sure to talk to your provider about your concerns regarding side effects of your medication or any other questions you may have for them. One piece of information to note here is that the positive outcomes from these medications tend to fade once the medication is discontinued, which is why it is important to seek out counseling services alongside medication management in order to see long-term improvement of your OCD symptoms.
Regardless of what path you choose to treat your OCD, the most important thing is the fact that you are seeking treatment. Facing our intrusive thoughts is a jarring experience but it is worth it in the end. If you are interested in learning more about OCD and how it is treated, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment with Katie Hughes, MEd., EdS, RMHCI to discuss treatment options and start feeling better.
International OCD Foundation. (n.d.). How is OCD treated? International OCD Foundation. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/ocd-treatment/
Mayo Clinic. (2020, March 11). Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved February 18, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354438
Reichenberg, L. W., & Seligman, L. (2016). Selecting effective treatments: A comprehensive systematic guide to treating mental disorders. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Samantaray, N. N., Kar, N., & Singh, P. (2019). Four-session cognitive behavioral therapy for the management of obsessive-compulsive disorder using a metaphor for conceptualization: A case report. Indian journal of psychiatry, 61(4), 424–426. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_92_19
