PERVASIVE LABELLING DISORDER
David A. Levy, Ph.D.
Pepperdine University

A Proposed Category for the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (DSM): Pervasive Labeling Disorder by David A. Levy Ph.D.
(Originally from the Journal of Humanistic Psychology).

The purpose of this article is to propose a new diagnostic category
for
inclusion in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, better known as the DSM. As
noted in
its current edition (American Psychiatric Association, 1987), the DSM
should
be viewed as "only one still frame in the ongoing process of
attempting
to
better understand mental disorders." The category proposed here
represents a
significant contribution to the composition of the next still frame by
focusing on one of the most ubiquitous, yet least recognized, of all
mental
disorders.


409.00 PERVASIVE LABELING DISORDER

Essential features

The essential features of this mental disorder are (1) an
uncontrollable
impulse, drive or temptation to invent labels and apply them to other
people; (2) a repetitive pattern of trying to fit people into
preconceived
categories; (3) an increasing sense of fear or inadequacy before
committing
the act; (4) an experience of overwhelming triumph and relief at the
time of
committing the act.

Manifestations of the disorder appear in many situations but are
especially
likely to occur when the person with Pervasive Labeling Disorder
(PLD)
feels
uncomfortable around other people. The person then spontaneously
assigns a
label to others, thus viewing them as "types" rather than as human
beings.
Because the disorder serves to control other people and to keep them
at
a
distance, it provides the person with the temporary illusion of both
superiority and safety.

Associated features

People with PLD frequently display marked signs of arrogance,
smugness,
grandiosity, and a sense of personal entitlement. They exhibit an
especially
condescending attitude towards others who do not share this mental
disorder.

These persons derive immense pride from inventing seemingly incisive
and
articulate (yet ambiguous and indecipherable) pseudoscientific
neologisms.
When called upon to explain the precise meaning of these newly created
labels, however, they typically display peculiar speech patterns,
including
catatonic silence, stammering and cluttering; verbal perserveration
on
the
label, coupled with poverty of content of speech; and psychomotor
agitation,
such as engaging in beard stroking, head shaking, or eye-rolling
behaviors.

Persons with PLD operate under the delusional belief that, by having
named
something, they have therefore explained it (i.e., Delusional
Disorder,
Nominal Type). Research indicates that many persons with PLD are
exceptionally adept at seeing in other people the flaws they cannot
see
in
themselves.

Prevalence

PLD is widespread throughout all sectors of society, but many people
have
found a means to obtain reinforcements for this disorder in socially
acceptable ways by becoming psychiatrists, psychoanalysts,
psychologists,
astrologists, Scientologists, evangelists, cult leaders, authors of
self-help books, politicians, and even interview guests on television
and
radio shows.

Age at onset

Despite its prevalence, the disorder is usually not recognized until
the
person has attained a position of social power.

Course

Recovery from PLD rarely occurs once the person's annual income
exceeds six figures.

Complications

Because persons with chronic and severe cases of PLD are incapable of
achieving and maintaining any type of human bonding, they rarely have
any
real friends.

Predisposing factors

Vulnerability to this disorder is directly correlated to the extent
to
which
one has a fear of one's own feelings. When PLD is found in
psychotherapists,
it typically serves to mask their deeply hidden and nagging fears
that
they
haven't the faintest idea as to how to help their patients.

Differential diagnosis

Obsessive/Compulsive Personality Disorder, Social Phobia, and
Delusional
Disorder (Grandiose Type) are related to, and therefore sometimes
difficult
to distinguish from Pervasive Labeling Disorder. To ensure diagnostic
validity, flipping a coin, tossing the ] Ching, or utilizing the
eenie-meenie-meinie-moe method is recommended.


TYPES OF PERVASIVE LABELING DISORDER

409.01 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Narcissistic Personality
Features.

This category should be used for the person with PLD whom you think
has
too
much self-esteem.

409.02 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Co-Dependency Personality
Features.
This category should be used for the person with PLD whom you think
has
too
much empathy.

409.03 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Histrionic Personality
Features.
This category should be used for the person with PLD whom you think
is
not
emotional enough.

409.05 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Neurotic Personality
Features.
This category should be used for the person with PLD whom you think
feels
too much guilt.

409.06 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Antisocial Personality
Features.
This category should be used for the person with PLD whom you think
doesn't
feel enough guilt.

409.07 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Borderline Personality
Features.
This category should be used when the person with PLD is disliked
intensely
by others, especially unsuccessful psychotherapists.

409.08 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Adult-Child-of-Alcoholic
Personality Features.
This category should be used when the person with PLD came from
parents
who,
in any way whatsoever, did not satisfy all of his or her needs as a
child.

409.10 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Resistant Personality
Features.
This category should be used when the person with PLD doesn't do what
you
want him or her to do.

409.11 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Cognitive Slippage
Features.
This category should be used when the person with PLD doesn't do what
you
want him or her to do.

409.12 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Transference Features.
This category should be used for psychotherapy patients with PLD who
have
any feelings whatsoever about their therapists.

409.13 - Pervasive Labeling Disorder with Countertransference
Features.
This category should be used for psychotherapists with PLD who have
any
feelings whatsoever about their patients.

References: American Psychiatric Association. (1987) Diagnostic and
statistical manual of mental disorders (3rd ed., rev.) Washington DC:
Author.