When "Bad Behavior" Becomes a "Disorder"

[Puppy Dog Tails]

A thought-provoking read today from George Will's column:

This DSM defines as "personality disorders" attributes that once were considered character flaws. "Antisocial personality disorder" is "a pervasive pattern of disregard for ... the rights of others ... callous, cynical ... an inflated and arrogant self-appraisal." "Histrionic personality disorder" is "excessive emotionality and attention-seeking." "Narcissistic personality disorder" involves "grandiosity, need for admiration ... boastful and pretentious." And so on.

If every character blemish or emotional turbulence is a "disorder" akin to a physical disability, legal accommodations are mandatory. Under federal law, "disabilities" include any "mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities"; "mental impairments" include "emotional or mental illness." So there might be a legal entitlement to be a jerk.

The entire column is here:

http://townhall.com/columnists/GeorgeWill/2010/02/28/a_cure_for_character

Talk amongst yourselves.

Puppy

[newmama]

Under federal law, "disabilities" include any "mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities"; "mental impairments" include "emotional or mental illness." So there might be a legal entitlement to be a jerk.

Maybe my WH can start collecting disability pay!!

[Gnosis]

That settles it. WE'RE ALL NUTS!

[Allen A]

It is only a disorder when a normal life is no longer being led.

One can be Narcissistic without it being a disorder...

This seems to suggest if you show any personality at all that is destructive, you should be medicated lol

[Gnosis]

I guess we're allowed to have personality until it "disses" somebody's concept of order...

The way the "psychotics" are going we have the following DSM classifications to look forward to:

Marriage = procreational codependent personality disorder
Infidelity = commitment personality disorder

[newmama]

The way the "psychotics" are going we have the following DSM classifications to look forward to:

Marriage = procreational codependent personality disorder
Infidelity = commitment personality disorder

This is very clever---I really truly think they need to find a DSM label for infidelity-especially since the cheaters all act like zombies and follow the same script!

[Allen A]

I have read some academic papers that include it in romance addiction, love addiction, or sex addiction, depending on what the fix is for the infidelity...

But infidelity itself no, its not often viewed as a disorder...

Pursuing romance, sex, or love even with your spouse in a manner that is destructive is categorised as an addiction or impulse control disorder. WHOM you are with isn't the issue.

I think infidelity sets the stage quite well for love, sex, or romance addictions though... it pretty much wraps the addiction in a big red bow with a card and some chocolates and says "here, want an addiction... start lying, sneaking around, and hurting your wife and family... Its very addictive and you will have LOTS of fun"