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The problem is that we are terrible at dealing with cognitive dissonance. When someone believes they have a disorder for many years/decades it becomes a part o
by JoeyJoJoJunior 7y ago
The problem is that we are terrible at dealing with cognitive dissonance.
When someone believes they have a disorder for many years/decades it becomes a part of their identity. Admitting they were wrong means that they needlessly caused suffering to themselves. It is embarrassing and emotionally painful.
They become instantly defensive, and hostile towards anyone offering alternative explanations.
- interpenetrate 7y agoindeed the syndrome can take on a life of its own (become part of their identity), and perhaps that's when it's at its most fragile. it's why after 10 years of suffering your pain could vanish immediately after learning it may serve a psychological purpose. but i think for many neurotic people (and most of us are indeed neurotic) the syndrome (i use lacan's jouissance) serves its purpose just fine. so don't you dare take it from them.
- kirsebaer 7y agoPlus, they might then have to think about what is actually bothering them, and that could be very upsetting.