What is the Difference Between a Psychiatric Illness and a Character Flaw?

INTRODUCTION

Psychiatric illnesses are mental illnesses that greatly disturb your thinking, moods, and/or behaviour and increase your risk of disability, pain, death, or loss of freedom. In addition, symptoms might be more severe than expected- in response to an upsetting event, such as grief after the loss of a loved one. These disorders are diagnosed based on specific criteria outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).1

Character flaws, also known as character defects, are traits or behaviours that create significant obstacles in a person's life. They are faults, limitations, or weaknesses in one’s behaviour. They can range from minor quirks to major issues that affect one's mental health and relationships. 2

Understanding the difference between them is not only necessary for justice for the individual but also for them to attain a better position in society. It helps us provide the right treatment for the affected and help them be a better version of themselves, elevating societal and personal relations.

While being identified with a psychological disorder can alter a normal person’s life in multiple aspects, for a person having a character flaw, it's just a shield from reality.

FACTORS LEADING TO PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESSES AND CHARACTER FLAWS

There is a combination of factors which contribute to psychiatric illnesses and character flaws. Our beliefs act as the building blocks of our personality. They are highly influenced by the type of surroundings we live in, including the people, the culture and the natural habitat.

Environmental stressors, trauma, and upbringing can exacerbate psychiatric disorders. For example, childhood abuse or neglect can contribute to the development of personality disorders like borderline personality disorder.4 Conversely, a lack of positive role models or an abusive environment can lead to the development of character flaws.2 For instance, the person who is abused can do the same towards children in the future.

Socio-economic factors, including poverty, unemployment, and discrimination, can impact the onset and course of psychiatric disorders. A person might develop DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) or bipolar disorder. 3 They can also contribute to stress and aggravate character flaws.

Everything in our body is connected to the brain, be it a small nerve or a larger one. Hence, our brain controls all our functions. Any abnormalities in a person's brain have the ability to change the person completely. Neurobiological factors, such as abnormalities in brain structure or neurotransmitter function, contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders.6 Character flaws are rarely influenced by neurobiological factors.

Psychological factors, such as coping mechanisms and cognitive biases, can influence how psychiatric symptoms are perceived and experienced by individuals.7 These factors may also contribute to the development of character flaws. For example, a person with poor coping mechanisms might develop unhealthy behaviours that are seen as character flaws.

Genetics contribute to the making of who we are, a single mutation in any of the chromosomes can change how we look and think.5 Genetics play a significant role in psychiatric disorders such as Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia.1 In contrast, character flaws, such as arrogance, selfishness or narcissism, are often influenced by upbringing and environment rather than genetics.

IDEAS WHICH ARE OFTEN CONFUSED BETWEEN PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESSES AND CHARACTER FLAWS

In a society where psychological disorders are still a new concept, the lack of awareness remains an obstacle. As a consequence, several psychiatric illnesses are often confused with character flaws due to societal perceptions and overlapping behaviours.

Bipolar disorder is defined by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).1 During manic episodes, individuals may exhibit grandiosity, impulsivity, and risk-taking behaviours, which can be mistaken for character flaws such as arrogance or recklessness.

BPD (Bipolar Personality Disorder) is characterised by instability in mood and relationships. Impulsive and self-destructive behaviours can be erroneously viewed as attention-seeking or manipulation.2 While an individual having BPD might harm themselves due to self-hate, a manipulative individual could threaten the same for attention or getting what they want.

NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder) is identified by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and lack of empathy.3 Individuals with NPD often have an exaggerated sense of self-importance and may exploit others for personal gain, behaviours that can be misinterpreted as selfishness or heartlessness.

DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) involves the presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states within an individual.4 Switching between these identities may occur involuntarily and be accompanied by memory gaps. This condition can be misinterpreted as deception or deceitful behaviour rather than a dissociative disorder.

CASE STUDY

It’s important to highlight real-life incidents to understand the need to differentiate between a character flaw and a psychiatric illness. Examining such incidents helps illustrate different confusions.

SERIAL KILLERS

“One murder is gonna cost me death, so are 15 others.”

Ted Bundy, was one of the most charming psychopaths. His charm and manipulation masked a complete lack of empathy and remorse. He brutally murdered numerous women. Even though he was never clinically diagnosed, he possessed psychopathy,1 illustrating the challenges in distinguishing between character flaws and mental illness.

John Wayne Gacy, commonly known as the Killer Clown, exhibited traits of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) and was emotionally unstable. His abusive childhood and violent behaviour provide a basis for discussing the interplay between environmental factors and personality disorders.2 Gacy's case demonstrates how early traumatic experiences can lead to severe personality disorders, contributing to criminal behaviour.

STALKERS

“I see you.”

John Hinckley Jr., an obsessed fan who lived in a world of delusions. His craze for actress Jodie Foster only escalated with time. He was diagnosed with delusional disorder (erotomanic type) and exhibited severe obsession and narcissistic traits. 3 This case illustrates the overlap between psychiatric disorders and extreme behaviour.

Robert John Bardo, an experienced stalker, had previously stalked many celebrities before diverting all his attention to actress Rebecca Schaeffer for three years before murdering her in 1989. Psychological assessments indicated obsessive-compulsive traits, severe attachment issues, and possibly BPD.4 This case highlights the complexities in distinguishing between obsessive behaviour and psychiatric illness.

TERRORISTS

“I am a destroyer, but I am also a creator.”

Osama bin Laden, The mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, displayed traits of ideological extremism, charismatic leadership, and a strategic mind. He was not only narcissistic but also an extremist. While bin Laden's actions may suggest elements of psychiatric conditions like NPD and ASPD,5 they are more comprehensively understood as stemming from extreme ideological convictions and a distorted worldview rather than a clinically diagnosed mental illness.

DICTATORS

“I’m your God.”

Adolf Hitler, the dictator of Nazi Germany responsible for the Holocaust and World War II, exhibited character flaws that fueled his tyrannical regime. Hitler's behaviour and decisions were driven by a toxic combination of narcissism, paranoia, and authoritarianism, which ultimately led to catastrophic consequences for millions.6 Certain traits overlap with psychiatric disorders and reflect severe character flaws and a distorted moral compass.

Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un, the leaders of North Korea, known for their authoritarian rule and severe human rights abuses, display extreme narcissism, paranoia, and a lack of empathy for their citizens.7 While these behaviours may have psychological underpinnings, they are primarily understood as severe character flaws exacerbated by the political dynamics of North Korea.

While psychiatric illnesses can significantly influence behaviour, many actions are driven by ingrained personality traits and ideological convictions. Recognising character flaws is crucial for understanding motivations and taking essential action. Examining cases through the lens of psychiatric illnesses highlights how these conditions impact thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Understanding the interplay between mental illness and criminality is essential for improving mental health care and implementing effective preventive interventions.

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS AND CHARACTER FLAWS

Psychiatric illnesses differentiate from character illnesses in diverse ways. To understand any problem, it’s important to focus on the origin. Although the origin of psychiatric illnesses is still unknown, it’s hypothesised by psychologists that a variety of factors influence the same. They can arise from genetic, neurobiological, psychological, or environmental factors.1 Bipolar disorder and Schizophrenia, are said to rise from genetic factors majorly.

Character flaws, on the other hand, are said to arise from the individual’s environment and are a byproduct of personal experiences, social influences, or individual choices.

Psychiatric illnesses severely impact daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life. They make the individual feel “out of place”. The individual might isolate himself from the surroundings or be overly active with people around. For example, someone with severe depression might find it impossible to maintain a job or personal relationships. In such cases, the right professional help seems the only way out of the abyss.

In contrast, character flaws may cause interpersonal conflicts or social difficulties but do not usually require medical treatment. They consistently influence behaviour, reflecting the individual's personality and moral compass. A person who is selfish or arrogant might struggle in relationships but can still function in society without medical intervention.

Perception is another critical difference. Psychiatric disorders are recognized as medical conditions that deserve empathy, treatment, and support. They are misinterpreted as someone who is insane since they don't fit societal standards. Conversely, character flaws are often seen as personal failings or moral shortcomings, subject to social judgment and criticism. A selfish or dishonest person is more likely to be condemned than understood. They are considered to be ‘unsafe’ for the environment.

CONCLUSION

While understanding the difference between psychiatric illnesses and character flaws is important, we cannot undermine the importance of knowing both their causes and their impact on any individual’s life.

By identifying the contributing factors, we can enhance diagnostic accuracy and inform treatment approaches. This understanding also highlights the importance of early intervention and comprehensive mental health care to potentially prevent severe outcomes. Addressing the root causes of both psychiatric disorders and character flaws can lead to a safer and more empathetic society.

Coming to an end, it’s important to highlight the differences between both psychiatric illnesses and character flaws but, we cannot forget that both of them have some similar causes. Rather than being judgemental, we need to be open to them to help make a better society.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY:

INTRODUCTION:

FACTORS LEADING TO PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESSES AND CHARACTER FLAWS

IDEAS WHICH ARE OFTEN CONFUSED BETWEEN PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESSES AND CHARACTER FLAWS

CASE STUDY

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS AND CHARACTER FLAWS

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health

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