What kind of PSYCH disorder does this sound like?

Nurses General Nursing

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I tried googling it but can't come up with anything or a way to describe this type of communication and what psychological disorder it commonly accompanies, if any. Maybe one of you knows!

1) Someone uses third person to describe things they did/think/feel.

Examples: "It was suggested to him to turn the volume on the TV down so others could talk." Instead of a more direct and appropriate way to say, "I suggested he turn the TV volume down so I could talk.".

"It could be considered a terrible time in one's life." Instead of a better way, "It was a terrible time in my life."

"The things that were said were very hurtful." Instead of, "The things you said to me hurt me."

Other characteristics accompany this person's communication style too.

2) She asks questions repeatedly, possibly worded very slightly differently when she gets a response she doesn't like, expect or agree with. It's as if she will not let go of a question until it is answered in the manner she needs.

3) She absolutely cannot accept or discuss the possibility of her being wrong or making a mistake. Being called out on this causes malicious retaliation against the "attacker" and turning the topic on the accusers faults and mistakes. If the "attacker" is not emotionally injured or insulted in return, she becomes livid and decides to have nothing to do with the person.

4) She rejects people who attempt to get close to her that she has not invited or approved, and controls those closest to her that she has chosen as her minions. If her minions manage to squeak out an opinion contrary to hers, that minion is subsequently threatened and verbally abused until put back in their place. She has the last word.

5) She uses frequent threats of suing, or involving law authorities to defend her opinion on a matter, because of course she is right and cannot be wrong and is completely justified by any means possible to right the situation, even if use of the justice system is inappropriate to the situation.

6) She obviously wears her feelings on a sleeve but thinks she is hiding it, and pretends to be unshakable. She cannot tolerate expressing her feelings and is very uncomfortable when others cry and are emotionally and physically expressive.

7) She is masterful at twisting words, implying meanings and manipulating and lying.

What kind of person is this!?!? I want to help her and make her better!

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

It does sound similar to Asperger's syndrome or an autism spectrum disorder but this is a lifelong condition that would not wait to manifest itself in adulthood (though some people may have been misdiagnosed/undiagnosed due to superior coping skills, however there would have been a pattern of behavior/thought processes that initiated in early childhood). It's unlikely if you state that you also suspect a form of dementia. If it is a senior, subclinical UTI's can often cause dementia like symptoms.

As you mention that psych isn't your strong point, and even if it was, I'd recommend enlisting the help of an actual psychologist. Playing one on Google isn't going to help you or your friend.

Having said that, I once had a friend that almost perfectly fit that description. I dropped her out of my life quickly once it started to escalate and became a drain on my emotions. Dx? Terrible friend with obvious issues and no desire to seek help. Tx? Sudden withdraw of all contact. Result? My mental health is greatly improved! :)

(Not sure about her or her remaining minions health, but in the end they are not my responsibility)

Specializes in wound care.

If this is your patient, he or she needs a psych consult. The psych consult would be more knowledgable about psych disorders than you, me or anyone else on this board who's not in psych.

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.
bi polar??

I doubt it. I'm no psychiatrist either, but as a patient I do know a thing or two about bipolar, and this lady doesn't fit the picture. She sounds more borderline than anything else IMHO.......but of course, I'd never presume to try to diagnose anybody, especially not over the Innerwebz.

BTW, the way she speaks is referred to as the "passive voice". It's often used by those who want to distance themselves ("Mistakes were made") from something they'd rather not have to deal with. It's not a symptom of mental illness as far as I know. :)

OMG you met my EX boyfriend didnt you????!!!!

seriously, does sound like Aspegers....

Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Ugh I hate when non psych professionals try and diagnose someone else. It really chaps my booty. I particularly hate the common useage of bipolar when describe someone whose mood switches suddenly during the day. That my friend is not bipolar it's probably closer to beng a female canine.

Most of things mentioned just sound like maladaptive coping mechanisms. I wouldn't try and rid them of that unless you have better ones to replace them with.

just point me in the right direction to get the information I need. Psych is not my strong point and I have no where to start.

Strange....this is a nursing forum, and nurses aren't allowed to diagnose, so as a nurse, why do you need an unofficial/armchair Dx to "know where to start"? Seriously, you are treading in dangerous, unethical and possibly illegal waters trying to diagnose someone.

I am not 100% sure but I believe the scenario can blow up on you......It can cause someone psychological trauma by telling them they are such-and-such psych diagnosis, and they can sue you for mental anguish, and your BON can discipline you for practicing outside the limitations of your license. If this is a friend/family member, then it is even more unethical to do this.

Specializes in Psych.

I AM a psych person, and a lot of what you're describing sounds like behaviors that fall on an Axis II continuum - they also sound like the average teenager, in some respects.

You mentioned that you're concerned about dementia, though - which makes me wonder if you're talking about someone who is older.

In that case, if they are family, GET THEM TO A DOCTOR. I've seen patients go downhill with some of the behaviors that you are describing; one was psychosis NOS (likely drug induced), one was meningioma, and two were alzheimer's. There are just too many possibilities, and many need a doctor.

Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Since this is a personal issue.......and, per TOS, we cannot offer dx/medical advice.......we cannot help you in this situation.

We hope that if you are truly concerned with the mental health of a loved one or friend, that you can get help for them the proper way.

Good luck.

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