Pathological Altruism

Pathological Altruism: When Good Becomes Dangerous

Altruism is a concept that is commonly associated with positive human qualities such as compassion, generosity, and caring for others. However, when altruism becomes pathological, its consequences can be dangerous and even destructive. In this article we will look at the concept of pathological altruism and its symptoms, as well as the causes of its occurrence and methods of treatment.

What is pathological altruism?

Pathological altruism is a condition where a person has an excessive desire to help others, which can lead to negative consequences for the person himself and the people around him. People suffering from pathological altruism may impose their help on others, ignoring their wants and needs, and even sacrificing their own interests and health for the sake of others.

Signs of pathological altruism

One of the main signs of pathological altruism is excessive concern for other people, which can lead to neglect of one's own needs and interests. People suffering from pathological altruism may also exhibit the following symptoms:

1. Excessive responsibility for other people;
2. Imposing help on others, ignoring their desires and needs;
3. Sacrificing one's own interests and health for the sake of others;
4. Excessive feelings of guilt and responsibility, even when it is unfounded;
5. The feeling that you cannot be happy until others are happy.

Causes of pathological altruism

Causes of pathological altruism can vary, including genetic factors, family history, trauma, and stressful situations. Some people may suffer from pathological altruism due to the low self-esteem and feelings of helplessness they may experience. Others may suffer from pathological altruism due to their religious or cultural beliefs that teach them that helping others is the highest value.

How to treat pathological altruism?

Treatment of pathological altruism may include different approaches, depending on the causes of its occurrence and the individual needs of the patient. One of the main approaches is psychotherapy, which can help the patient become aware of his excessive concerns about others and learn to find a balance between caring for himself and for other people. In addition, drug treatment, such as anxiolytics or antidepressants, may be prescribed to help the patient cope with symptoms associated with pathological altruism.

However, the most important step in treating pathological altruism is awareness of the problem and the desire to change your behavioral pattern. Patients suffering from pathological altruism must learn to respect their own needs and boundaries, and to consider the needs of others without ignoring their own. This can be challenging, but it is rewarding for creating healthy and sustainable relationships with others.

In conclusion, pathological altruism is a condition that can lead to negative consequences for the person himself and the people around him. Treatment for pathological altruism may include psychotherapy, medication, and awareness of the problem. People suffering from pathological altruism must learn to respect their own needs and boundaries, and to consider the needs of others without ignoring their own. This will help create healthy and sustainable relationships with others and lead to a happier, healthier life.

"Pathological altruism" is a term used to describe the condition of a person who, on an unconscious level, puts the interests of other people above his own. Such behavior can lead to unpleasant consequences both for the individual himself and for the people around him and society as a whole. In this article we will look at the causes and consequences of this disorder, as well as ways to combat it.

Causes of pathological altruism

- The habit of living from the position of a victim and being constantly in need of the care and attention of others. A person with this behavior avoids taking responsibility for his life and tries to shift it to others. - Negative experiences in the past associated with the demands and expectations of parents, relatives or significant people in life. This experience leads to the development of low self-esteem and self-doubt. - Internal beliefs that make a person consider his personality less valuable than the personality of other people. He thinks that his values, feelings and thoughts are less important than other people's goals and desires. A pathological altruist always cares and cares about someone. His goal is never about his own pleasure, but about trying to make life easier for everyone he cares about. In society, such a person is perceived as soft and indecisive, but he exerts his influence on