As an introvert myself, I have long been aware of the stigma attached to the word "introversion."  Introverts and personality type experts alike have been working for decades to reverse many of the stereotypes associated with introversion.  Unfortunately, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) is well on it's way to reversing all of that work and making introversion a symptom of a personality disorder.  

Shocked?  Appalled?  Disappointed?  Join the club.

Click this link (http://www.dsm5.org/ProposedRevisions/pages/proposedrevision.aspx?rid=473#) to see the proposed definition the APA will use in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th revision.  

Here are a few catchphrases from the definition to give you a feel for the impending persecution of those who identify themselves as introverts:  Socially withdrawn, avoids sexual relationships, shallow, unemotional, and my personal favorite- "deficit in the capacity to feel pleasure or take interest in things."

Yikes, right?

Despite the fact that nearly every model of personality includes a dimension that addresses Introversion, and uses a definition for introversion that focuses on where an individual draws his/her energy, the APA will virtually void that definition.  They will take a term that is used to positively identify nearly 50% of the population and make those individuals one step closer to a personality disorder.  

With the traditional definition of introversion, there is no negative stigma attached to needing to recharge your mental energy by being alone.  Introversion does not include being shy, socially awkward, or withdrawn.  Carl Jung is traditionally credited with developing the concept of Introversion, which he defined as introversion as being more concerned with turning inward to reflect rather than engage with others. 

So, what do you think?  Do you believe Charles Darwin, Michael Jordan, Warren Buffett, Steven Spielberg, Barbara Walters, Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, Tom Hanks and Al Gore (all noted Introverts) fit the APA's definition of introversion?

The issue is clearly a mis-applied term.  The symptoms the APA wants to address would best be described by another term which isn't already universally used in the personality type world.  What would be a better term for their list of traits?  Social withdrawl?  

The good news is that the changes are not final and the APA is interested in hearing your thoughts.  Please take time to register with the APA and voice your concerns about this issue.