The Prevalence of Psychiatric term, The Dangers Behind It

Recently, psychiatric terms such as ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and depression have become commonplace in everyday life. These terms were originally diagnostic labels used among professionals, and are concepts that are found in the process of diagnosing and treating mental health issues. However, nowadays, we can easily find these terms in social networking services (SNS) and popular media. For example, on Instagram, posts titled “ADHD Traits,” and showing behaviors that ADHD sufferers can relate to are gaining a lot of resonance through comments and likes. According to the comments, many people relate to the post and share their own experiences.

Psychiatric terms like these are increasingly being used in everyday life through social media. Let's take a look at the causes and effects of this phenomenon.

< Causes of popularization of  psychiatric terms >
The popularization of psychiatric terms is due to the rapidly increasing accessibility of information in the modern world. The internet, social media, and mass media have made information more accessible to everyone, and information about mental health is no exception. The increased accessibility of information has led to the popularization of the terms, which in turn has led people to accept and use psychiatric terms.

Psychiatric terms are largely driven by social media, but why is this social media phenomenon important? Social media allows people to feel a sense of belonging and connection. Users share their experiences, empathize with one another, and form emotional bonds with people who have similar backgrounds. This creates a community. In this process, psychiatric terms are often used as a tool to shape one’s identity on social media. For example, some individuals use terms like ADHD or depression in their bios to empathize with people and get more followers and likes.

In addition, the recent popularity of short forms such as Reels and Shorts has increased the tendency of people to explain their complex emotions in a short and simple way. The cultural trend of expressing emotions or mental health conditions in a short video in a figurative or humorous way demonstrates that these terms have become more than just a diagnosis, but they are now considered a cultural code.

Another important factor is the change in social perception of mental health issues. In the past, mental health problems were hidden or stigmatized, but today they are more openly discussed. This shift can be attributed to celebrities who have  openly confessed their mental health problems and shared their experiences on social media.  

< The benefits of psychiatric buzzwords  and the problems with abuse >
There are definitely some positive aspects to the rise of psychiatric buzzwords. One of the biggest benefits is that it has significantly increased awareness of mental health issues. In the past, it was often taboo to discuss and identify conditions like depression or anxiety, but now many people feel comfortable sharing their problems and fostering empathy. This has had a positive impact on people seeking appropriate help and addressing mental health issues rather than simply concealing them. It has also given people a tool called “psychiatric terms” to help them understand their condition and express their complex feelings concisely. This can play a key role in the process of self-reflection and in finding solutions to their own problems.

However, the popularity of psychiatric terms is not all good. We need to focus on the problems behind it. First, the overuse of these terms can diminish the severity of psychiatric illnesses and create misunderstandings. While certain conditions are diagnosed based on professional criteria, these popularized terms can be used in a simplistic way regardless of the criteria. For example, labeling a simple feeling as “having depression” can diminish the severity of what a person with depression is experiencing. This has the potential to trivialize psychiatric illness and lead to further misperceptions.

There is also a risk of self-diagnosis as psychiatric terms become more prevalent. Since the trend began, many “self-diagnosis lists” for mental health issues such as depression and ADHD have surfaced online. These self-diagnosis tests involve reading people a list, checking off the items that apply to themselves, and then judging the condition based on the number of items checked. These tests are often unprofessional and don't take into account an individual's  background or circumstances, making them highly superficial. So it's very dangerous to make assumptions about yourself based on them. Furthermore, hasty self-diagnosis can hinder a person’s ability to accurately identify their real problem, or prevent them from professionally diagnosing and treating it correctly. For example, defining a simple stressful situation as a “panic disorder” or other condition and making yourself unnecessarily anxious.

Finally, it can be used as a tool to avoid facing one’s own problems. Instead of identifying and addressing the underlying causes of the problem, the person hides behind the label and avoids the problem. If a non-ADHD person finds themselves in a situation where they are having trouble focusing, instead of trying to identify and solve the cause of the problem, they may simply label it as “I have ADHD, so that's why I'm having trouble focusing.” This can delay true problem solving and self-development, and can lead to increased anxiety and depression. Ultimately, this avoidance can hinder real progress and exacerbate feelings of stress.

< How to prevent abuse of psychiatric terms >
What can be done to prevent the overuse of these psychiatric terms? I think the first step is to raise social awareness. Sharing the right information and education about mental health issues would be a great start. Mental health issues shouldn't be treated as just a fad, and everyone should recognize their inherent importance and seriousness.

In addition, as trends emerge, the media and social media should strengthen their accountability. Content creators must ensure that when they use psychiatric terms, they accurately convey their meaning and risks, and consider the possible side effects of overuse. When addressing mental health issues in TV shows, YouTube videos, and Instagram posts, they should avoid sensationalizing the content for entertainment purposes. It is essential to carefully consider the impact that they may have on people who are actually experiencing these conditions.

The most important thing is to take personal responsibility. When you use a psychiatric term, make sure you fully understand what it means and try not to overuse it. Rather than using simple psychiatric terms to describe your feelings or condition, you should strive to express your condition or situation with care and judgment. It's important to keep in mind that this is not only for the sake of others, but also to help you better understand yourself.

The rise of psychiatric terms can be a positive sign of increased attention to mental health. However, we must not overlook the dangers that can arise when these terms are consumed as mere trends or misused. It's important to know the precise definitions of psychiatric terms and to be fully aware of the risks of overuse. By not dismissing this phenomenon as just a fad, we can gain a deeper understanding of mental health issues and ultimately, our modern society.