A contemporary tendency to pathologize appetitive behaviors has arisen concurrently with the increasing attention towards behavioral addictions, prompting apprehensions regarding appropriate diagnosis and the risk of overpathologization of such behaviors. We reviewed the processes involved in pathologizing everyday activities and analyzed the implications of this phenomenon. We identified two primary forms of pathologization: (1) the creation of "new" behavioral addictions and (2) the lowering of thresholds for defining addictive behaviors. The former entails categorizing certain appetitive activities as addictive, often based solely on excessive engagement and questionable diagnostic criteria, without considering the underlying primary motivations behind these behaviors and their functions as coping mechanisms for specific sources of distress. An example is love addiction, which has been developed without considering other relevant conditions like dependent personality disorder or separation anxiety disorder. The latter form involves lowering the thresholds for classifying behaviors as addictive, particularly evident in already existing nosographic classifications such as gaming disorder and compulsive sexual behavior. Accordingly, there is evidence that this approach may fail to adequately distinguish between pathological and non-pathological behavior, potentially leading to overdiagnosis. Pathologization of normal behaviors raises significant concerns, including stigmatization of individuals who engage in these behaviors and the introduction of flawed psychopathological concepts. Collaborative discussions and critical evaluation of existing frameworks are crucial for enhancing diagnostic precision and mitigating potential harms. Addressing these challenges necessitates a deeper understanding of addictive behaviors and a cautious approach to diagnostic assessment. Efforts to depathologize normal behaviors are necessary, and research must ensure that behavioral addiction encompasses only behaviors causing significant impairment.
Pathologizing Normal Behaviors as Behavioral Addictions: Implications and Challenges
Adriano Schimmenti
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2024-01-01
Abstract
A contemporary tendency to pathologize appetitive behaviors has arisen concurrently with the increasing attention towards behavioral addictions, prompting apprehensions regarding appropriate diagnosis and the risk of overpathologization of such behaviors. We reviewed the processes involved in pathologizing everyday activities and analyzed the implications of this phenomenon. We identified two primary forms of pathologization: (1) the creation of "new" behavioral addictions and (2) the lowering of thresholds for defining addictive behaviors. The former entails categorizing certain appetitive activities as addictive, often based solely on excessive engagement and questionable diagnostic criteria, without considering the underlying primary motivations behind these behaviors and their functions as coping mechanisms for specific sources of distress. An example is love addiction, which has been developed without considering other relevant conditions like dependent personality disorder or separation anxiety disorder. The latter form involves lowering the thresholds for classifying behaviors as addictive, particularly evident in already existing nosographic classifications such as gaming disorder and compulsive sexual behavior. Accordingly, there is evidence that this approach may fail to adequately distinguish between pathological and non-pathological behavior, potentially leading to overdiagnosis. Pathologization of normal behaviors raises significant concerns, including stigmatization of individuals who engage in these behaviors and the introduction of flawed psychopathological concepts. Collaborative discussions and critical evaluation of existing frameworks are crucial for enhancing diagnostic precision and mitigating potential harms. Addressing these challenges necessitates a deeper understanding of addictive behaviors and a cautious approach to diagnostic assessment. Efforts to depathologize normal behaviors are necessary, and research must ensure that behavioral addiction encompasses only behaviors causing significant impairment.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
