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Top Ten Misconceptions about Psychiatric Disorders

All medical fields tend to be more complicated than the average person might think. The internet has increased the temptation towards incorrect self-diagnosis for all kinds of ailments. Psychiatry is one of the lesser understood medical fields. Following is some information about common misconceptions over psychiatric disorders.

1. They are Inventions of the Patients' Minds

While there are those who do pretend symptoms both physically and psychologically, true sufferers of psychiatric disorders are victims of illness. Self-discipline cannot eradicate the problem any more than happy thoughts can kill cancer.

2. Most People have a Psychiatric Disorder of Some Kind

Since humans are human, they demonstrate personality differences all over the spectrum. That does not mean that atypical behavior every once in awhile indicates a psychiatric disorder. Disorders are characterized by very long term, even life-long, symptoms that are severe and life-changing.

3. Treatment is Not Necessary

There are some disorders that cannot be treated or which will right themselves after some time. In the case of some disorders, the patient may not be overly uncomfortable with their disorder and may prefer to abstain from treatment. Some disorders, however, require therapy or medication for the health and safety of the patient and his or her close acquaintances.

4. If there are Physical Problems, Psychiatric Help Is Not Necessary

The full extent of mutual dependency is not fully understood, but the physical and the psychological are nevertheless intertwined. Physical symptoms can affect the psychological and can even be caused by the psychological. If a psychiatric disorder is known and physical symptoms arise, a meeting should be scheduled immediately with a mental health professional.

5. All Disorders Begin in Childhood

Childhood trauma is a frequent cause for disorders. Many disorders also begin very early in life. There are a few disorders, however, that can develop later in life. Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar I Disorder, Dissociative Disorder and Adjustment Disorder are all examples of disorders that can develop during childhood or adulthood.

6. Every Eccentric Person is Probably Mentally Ill

Eccentricity is neither a cause for nor necessarily the result of mental illness. While some mental illnesses often manifest themselves as eccentricity (such as Schizoid Personality Disorder), many eccentric people are simply exercising their right to be themselves and may possibly be the most well-adjusted people in town.

7. There Are More Psychiatric Problems Now Than Ever

It may seem that more and more psychiatric disorders are being discovered and diagnosed. Rather than there being more problems, there is currently more awareness as well as more over-diagnosis due to fads and interest levels. Multiple Personality Disorder, for example, became very highly diagnosed in correlation with popular representation of the disorder.

8. Those with Psychiatric Disorders are Less Intelligent than the Average Person

Psychiatric disorders and intelligence are not linked.

9. Diagnosis of Disorders is Relatively Simple

Because so many disorders overlap in the symptoms that they manifest, diagnosis can be very difficult. It is best to leave official diagnosis to a psychiatric professional.

10. There Is Nothing I Can Do To Affect my Mental Health

Mental health is much like physical health. A person can strive to improve their weaknesses as well as to guard against danger. If a weakness is sensed, therapy may help to improve one's chances of a more well-adjusted life experience.

Frances, Allen MD and First, Michael B. MD. Your Mental Health: A Layman's Guide to

the Psychiatrist's Bible. New York: Scribner, 1998.