From Diagnosis to Slang: The Casual Misuse of Mental Health Terms

Writer: Safrana Safa

Editor: Kaylah Ortiz

From Diagnosis to Slang: The Casual Misuse of Mental Health Terms

You've probably seen someone call their ex-partner a narcissist for posting a selfie, or blame their poor decisions on “intrusive thoughts.” Although it’s common to associate these terms with such behavior, they’re often used incorrectly in conversations, media, and online settings, ultimately weakening their psychological weight. For centuries, mental health terminology has been subject to misapplication. The term hysteria, for instance, was most notably used to minimize women's emotional struggles as medical issues, while dismissing the possible underlying psychological causes. This trend has become even more noticeable with the growing use of clinical terms in pop culture and casual conversations (Palm, 2024).

Despite the growing awareness of mental health issues and terminology, the surge in social media use during the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed the casual misuse of psychiatric language to reach a widespread audience at alarming rates. Now we see terms that were once confined to clinical settings making their way into the forefront of memes, TikToks, and everyday speech, causing them to lose their true meaning and significance in the process. 

In 1977, clinical psychologist R.D. Rosen coined the term psychobabble to describe the pervasive distortion of psychological terms in everyday language, a pattern that continues to harm the public’s understanding of mental health (Christensen, 2024). Today, psychobabble best captures the younger generation’s tendency to exaggerate clinical terms, often using them to humorously express thoughts that carry negative connotations. Words like antisocial and delusional often come up when referring to someone who prefers staying home on a Friday night or insists they’ll pass a test they barely studied for. Because these terms are commonly linked to such behaviors, we instinctively apply them in the same, misleading ways. However, the medical meaning behind them is far more complex. Antisocial Personality Disorder consists of a persistent disregard for others’ rights, impulsivity, and the inability to conform to social norms, often leading to misconduct (SonderMind, 2024). This vastly differs from the common use of “antisocial” to mean shy or introverted. Similarly, delusions are more than unrealistic thoughts, they’re fixed false beliefs that can significantly distort a person’s sense of reality (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Both diagnoses can severely disrupt relationships, decision-making, and daily functioning. This oversimplification of diagnostic terms only adds to the stigma surrounding mental disorders, making it harder for individuals to seek help and be taken seriously.

There’s a notable pattern of using psychological terms to describe traits that differ from societal norms, generally based on common stereotypes. We can see the effects of this trend in analyzing how people view individuals with OCD. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most misunderstood disorders among both the general population and medical professionals. The DSM-5 defines OCD as a disorder characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive physical or mental acts (compulsions) to relieve distress. This cycle of obsessions and compulsions can sometimes take hours, leaving patients emotionally drained and unable to perform daily tasks (American Psychiatric Association, 2022). Despite the seriousness of the disorder, it's not uncommon to hear someone say "I’m so OCD," for preferring a tidy desk or a spotless kitchen. Such simplified stereotypes can prevent people from being properly diagnosed or seeking help, as they may not recognize both the nature and severity of their symptoms. The pandemic has further intensified the misconception that OCD is only about cleanliness due to the global emphasis on hand washing. A 2023 study by Dr. Kinsey Simone at Tennessee University revealed that 50% of participants believed everyone "has a little bit of OCD," while 83% felt it wasn’t a real disorder capable of causing anxiety or stress (Simone, 2024). The survey results reflect long-standing misconceptions about OCD, reinforced by the colloquial use of psychological jargon that blurs the line between everyday habits and a profoundly impairing disorder. Consequently, even college students—many of whom have likely completed introductory psychology courses covering OCD—continue to trivialize the condition.

While OCD remains widely misunderstood, it is far from the only mental health condition subject to widespread misrepresentation. Even depression, one of the most commonly diagnosed and researched disorders, is frequently reduced to harmful stereotypes. Many individuals describe themselves as “depressed” after a rough day or dismiss the condition as an excuse to avoid responsibilities. In fact, research demonstrates a paradox in society’s views toward depression. Although there’s growing recognition of the profound impact the illness can have on a person and the importance of early treatment, it is still stigmatized as a sign of weakness. Individuals with Major Depressive Disorder and other mental health conditions are often blamed for their struggles and offered surface-level support, which increases their risk of feeling guilty and believing they need to manage the problem on their own. Therefore, developing an accurate understanding of mental health disorders is the most important step in lowering stigma and helping patients return to their daily lives faster.  

If even widely recognized conditions like OCD and depression are frequently misrepresented, it’s no surprise that lesser-known disorders are subject to increased scrutiny and stigmatization. Disorders like Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) and Tourettes have garnered attention over the years through popular media such as Split or Family Guy. However, characters with these disorders were not accurately portrayed, but rather villainized and painted as violent or offensive. Today, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube we can understand the symptoms and experiences of certain disorders through real people. However, these videos have also sparked a trend of self-diagnosing, with viewers identifying with symptoms and assuming they have a specific condition. While self-diagnosis can be a helpful first step in recognizing mental health concerns and seeking professional help, it can also do more harm than good depending on the type of content viewers choose to engage with. A recent study found that the most popular videos from DID centered creators were focused on the switching of alters or showcasing alters within a system. As a result, many adolescents have been displaying exaggerated symptoms of DID in an attempt to imitate what they see online. This trend has contributed to an influx of individuals seeking a DID diagnosis, often in pursuit of views or as a way to avoid accountability for problematic behavior (Munoz et al., 2024). This overwhelming desire to have a mental illness has fueled skepticism towards those with legitimate diagnoses and the field of mental health. A 2021 study reported that 64% of TikTok comments under mental health videos accused creators of faking their illnesses causing many to provide medical evidence to continue spreading awareness of their struggles (Giedinghagen, 2022). It is important to note that not every aspect of a condition can be fully conveyed in a single video hence why it is important to do research from professionals in the field, engage in nuanced perspectives, and seek professional advice before adopting a label.

Despite the widespread nature of psychobabble, it's not too late to reshape and correct the use of mental health terms in both virtual and in-person settings. We can start by being more mindful of the content we consume and share. What we like, watch, and engage with directly influences social media algorithms, often boosting misleading videos and fueling a cycle of misinformation (Munoz et al., 2024). This also applies to how mental health is discussed in everyday face-to-face interactions. Both verbal responses and nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions and tone, can significantly impact an individual's willingness to share vulnerable information. Given the influence language holds in shaping perception and emotional safety, approaching such conversations with care and sensitivity plays a key role in fostering a more supportive and understanding community. 

Nevertheless, holding oneself accountable for their speech doesn't necessarily mean they need to monitor and filter everything they say. The casual use of psychiatric language isn’t inherently harmful, as many diagnosed individuals use humor to cope or normalize conversations around mental health. The issue arises when diagnostic terms are used to minimize the realities faced by those living with the conditions. As noted earlier, casually labeling a self-centered ex-partner as a "narcissist" trivializes the clinical reality of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Similarly, framing restrictive eating as "discipline" while overlooking its harmful side effects normalizes eating disorders and can even make them seem socially acceptable. This also applies to professionals and older adults who suggest that ADHD only affects children or that everyone has “a little bit of autism,” as these views create further confusion about neurodevelopmental disorders that’re already frequently misdiagnosed. With that said, being more intentional with language doesn’t require walking on eggshells, but rather considering how words shape public understanding. Even small shifts in phrasing can help preserve the true meaning of psychiatric conditions and ensure that those in need of support are heard and understood.