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June 1, 2009
BREAKING: Bitterness May Be A Mental Disorder!
It all makes sense now! Let's hope it's treatable, like insomnia is with daily workouts, meditation and the occasional Ambien.
According to the LA Times:
"'[The Bitterers] feel the world has treated them unfairly. It's one step more complex than anger. They're angry plus helpless,' says Dr. Michael Linden, a German psychiatrist who named the behavior.
"This [bitter] behavior is so common -- and so deeply destructive -- that some psychiatrists are urging it be identified as a mental illness under the name post-traumatic embitterment disorder."
I concur!
"Embittered people are typically good people who have worked hard at something important, such as a job, relationship or activity, Linden says. When something unexpectedly awful happens...a profound sense of injustice overtakes them. Instead of dealing with [the issue] with the help of family and friends, they cannot let go of the feeling of being victimized. Almost immediately after the traumatic event, they become angry, pessimistic, aggressive, hopeless haters."
OH NOES! I know some people afflicted with this unfortunate condition! WOW. But, it seems to me it doesn't always take a tragic event to pop their bitter cherry. Hmm. Should I send them some literature on this, or would that be rude?
What about those of us who are subjected to The Bitterers' passive-aggressive scorn, self-righteous hissing and death stares? We are suffering as well. Is there a pill for us, too?
Oh, I kid! I don't know anyone like that in DC.
But Bitterness isn't the only newly discovered "mental disorder" being discussed by psychiatrists these days.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the shrink's bible, is finally getting an update from its 1994 version. Some contenders seeking inclusion in DSM-V:
Internet addiction disorder
apathy disorder
compulsive buying disorder
compulsive pathological overeating
hoarding
premenstrual dysphoric disorder
and:
partner relational problem -- "a pattern of interaction between spouses or partners characterized by negative communication (criticisms, for example), distorted communications (such as unrealistic expectations) or non-communication (withdrawal)."
Fascinating!
I wonder if a hoarder reads my blog. I won't judge, promise!
It should be noted that a lot of these newly labeled conditions are controversial and that many doctors consider them merely to be different variations of already established mental disorders.
As a psych geek I find this stuff interesting. If you don't find it interesting, I diagnose you as bitter.
Anyway, since this is the start of Gay Pride Month I thought I would pass along this relevant historical information to get the party started right. Take note, young gays -- treat bitterness now rather than later. Happy Pride!
Posted by durban bud at June 1, 2009 10:42 PM
Comments
I'm all for clasification of bitterness as a mental disorder, I've been on the receiving end of the odd embittered tirade and it goes waaaaay beyond having a bad day or being in a shitty mood. As for compulsive buying, hoarding and internet addiction - I don't know what you're talking about... I see no problem with any of those things, now move along I've got shopping to do and blogs to read!
Posted by: The Mutant at June 2, 2009 1:58 AM
"apathy disorder?" Whatever.
Posted by: dumbek at June 2, 2009 10:58 AM
My response to the Bitters is usually along the lines of: "Oh so your whole family was slaughtered in front of your own eyes as a child and you fled to freedom in a container in which at least half the people died, before almost drowning to death when the smugglers pushed it over the side of the ship? No? Oh yeah you have got REAL problems..."
Posted by: copperred at June 3, 2009 12:32 AM
Somebody once said to me that life is a series of getting knocked down, and that the trick is to just keep getting back up afterwards. That really resonated with me. In my view the other trick is the ability to effectively shake off shrapnel and purge it from your mind. Justified or not, holding anger or resentment close is toxic, period. I do think anger serves as a signal to alter your path, but constructively, not destructively. Own it and knock it down, or it'll getcha for sure.
Posted by: DanH at June 3, 2009 2:38 AM
Some bitter person out there is gonna give you payback for this post! LOL.
BTW -- I do think it is hilarious when a bitter person doesn't see themselves as bitter. LOL.
Posted by: brettcajun at June 3, 2009 2:26 PM
Anger + helpless = bitter. Now we know.
Posted by: Mark in DE at June 3, 2009 6:08 PM
Yes, but what about bitter partner relational problem? Hmm? Sounds like a wide open field for study Dr. Durban.
DB: Good point. That is an epidemic, I think. But it mostly stems from a lack of sex with the other, mainly because one or both are no longer attracted to the other. If that's the case, it's best for everyone if they separate.
Posted by: stina at June 3, 2009 10:20 PM
Oh, thank you for this post! I didn't know you were a psych geek, too...all the more reason to love you.
The DSM is a privately published fat load of balls used for the purposes of insurance companies (don't get me started on the DSM!), but it does make for some interesting reading, sho nuff.
Also, I believe that horading is listed as either a sub-category or symptom of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder...but don't quote me on that.
Really, all of those conditions you mentioned are a direct result of the fucked-up society we live in. Better living through chemistry! More Soma, please!
Posted by: SaltyMissJill at June 5, 2009 9:48 AM
As my Midwestern grandmother was apparently known for saying during the rationing of WWII, "I'm only buying it to keep the hoarders from getting their hands on it."
Posted by: Chris at June 6, 2009 10:45 PM
The only addiction I have is to the rhythm.
Oh, and to buttsex.
Posted by: cb at June 7, 2009 10:02 AM
So as in Australia, in the USA it's all about the shame of being a VICTIM.
I can understand that people don't want to know about your death, breakup, injustices. Stop whining you lot!
On the other hand those that say that are often cowering and begging for understanding when something happens to them.
Anyway, how many of us do those things like shopping, use of internet, hoarding??? Does that mean we are all bitter.
BTW Mr Bud re your photo of you with a snake - you look hot in shorts :)
Posted by: Michael Australia at July 4, 2009 12:01 AM