What is an introvert? If you have been searching the web lately, then you probably think an introvert is someone who despises interacting with people, lack social skills, display multiple personalities (or sides) and or worry excessively. If you believe that's an introvert, you are wrong.
"There is no such thing as a pure introvert or extrovert. Such a person would be in the lunatic asylum." - Carl Jung Read
Below I have definitions that resemble the most common memes or quotes shared on various favorite introvert pages, which describes Asperger's Syndrome, Anti-social Personality Disorder, Anxiety and Borderline Personality Disorder.
Asperger's Syndrome (Lack Social Skills):
Asperger's syndrome colloquially refers to a high functioning form of autism. Although it was once formally classified as a disorder separate from other types of autism, Asperger’s is no longer an official different diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The behavior ascribed to Asperger’s is now encompassed under the umbrella diagnosis “Autism Spectrum Disorder” in the DSM. People with high functioning autism/Asperger's often lack social skills and sometimes have problems with motor regulation. However, their language and cognitive skills are mostly intact. To varying degrees, they may also require the ability to understand the perspectives and feelings of others.
Anti-social Personality Disorder (Sociopathy, psychopathy, and narcissism):
Antisocial personality disorder is best understood within the context of the broader category of personality disorders.The symptoms of antisocial personality disorder can vary in severity. The more egregious, harmful, or dangerous behavior patterns are referred to as sociopathic or psychopathic. There has been much debate as to the distinction between these descriptions. Sociopathy is chiefly characterized as something severely wrong with one's conscience; psychopathy is characterized by a complete lack of conscience regarding others. Some professionals describe people with this constellation of symptoms as "stone cold" to the rights of others. Complications of this disorder include imprisonment, drug abuse, and alcoholism.
Anxiety (Excessive worry):
Anxiety, or extreme apprehension and worry, is a typical reaction to stressful situations. But in some cases, it becomes excessive and can cause sufferers to dread everyday situations. This type of steady, all-over anxiety is called Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Other anxiety-related disorders include panic attacks—severe episodes of anxiety which happen in response to specific triggers—and obsessive-compulsive disorder, which is marked by persistent intrusive thoughts or compulsions to carry out specific behaviors (such as hand-washing). Anxiety so frequently co-occurs with depression that the two are thought to be twin faces of one disorder. Like depression, it strikes twice as many females as males.
Borderline Personality Disorder (Moods):
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a severe mental illness characterized by pervasive instability in moods, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. This instability often disrupts family and work life, long-term planning, and an individual's sense of identity. People with BPD, thought initially to be at the "border" of psychosis and neurosis, suffer from difficulties with emotion regulation. While less well known than schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, BPD affects two percent of adults. People with BPD exhibit high rates of self-injurious behavior, such as cutting and, in severe cases, significant rates of suicide attempts and completed suicide.
Introversion (Energized by solitude or creative pursuits):
Introverts are drained by social encounters and energized by solitary, often creative pursuits. Their disposition is frequently misconstrued as shyness, social phobia, or even avoidant personality disorder, but many introverts socialize easily; they just strongly prefer not to. In fact, the self-styled introvert can be more empathic and interpersonally connected than his or her outgoing counterparts.
"There is no such thing as a pure introvert or extrovert. Such a person would be in the lunatic asylum." - Carl Jung Read
I like how you outlined the characteristics of the various disorders. Some of them have common traits, but aren't clinically the same.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing!