Using respectful language to improve the patient-provider relationship
Respectful language – using terms and phrases meant to empower, inspire, and support recovering individuals – is a powerful tool for improving the patient-provider relationship. Many conditions have a stigma attached to them that can be harmful or hurtful to the individual. Using labels and outdated terminology may cause individuals to feel as if they are identified by their condition rather than who they are and what they experience. Respectful language can enable patients to be given the respect and autonomy that helps in care. Person-first language can be a great method to establish these boundaries and understanding, putting the individual before anything else.
Of course, preferences for respectful language may change from person to person. Identity-first language refers to placing the condition before the person in a respectful manner (for example, a depressed patient rather than a patient with depression) that aligns with their preferences. Some may prefer identity-first language, viewing their condition as a part of their identity and person. Some may see it as a point of pride in themselves or the community they have become a part of, and are more comfortable with identity-first language.
When interacting with a patient for the first time, ask about the terms they prefer, and if they are unsure, use person-first language.
You can easily update your vocabulary with respectful language by incorporating person-first phrases as seen below. Person-first language can help in the healing and recovery process. Treating those in your care as people and not simply as patients can make the difference in the journey of their recovery.
The following table includes examples; it is not all inclusive:
| Outdated Phrases | Person-First Phrases |
| patient who suffers from | person who lives with |
| stubborn | dedicated |
| victim | survivor |
| normal | person without disability |
| addict | person with a substance use disorder |
| resistant | chooses not to |
| weaknesses | barriers |
| elderly patient | older adult |
| failed to commit suicide | survived a suicide attempt |
| aggressive | distressed |
| manipulative | uses manipulation as a coping strategy |
| clean | in recovery/recovered |
| attention-seeking | seeking support |
| What is wrong with you? | What has happened to you? |
References:
Wooldridge, S. (2023, April 19). Writing respectfully: Person-first and identity-first language. National Institutes of Health.
McDonald, S. (2021, August 11). Say this, not this: Speaking about mental health. NAMI California.
Hyams, K., Prater, N., Rohovit, J., & Meyer-Kalos, P. (2022, May 19). Person-centered language. Center for Practice Transformation.
Content provided by members of the APNA Recovery Council Steering Committee. Lead author Heidi McMullan, MSN, RN-BC, BSN, CPHQ; contributors: Michael Thomas, APRN; Ellen Fagan-Pryor, CNS, PMHCNS, RN, BC; and Susan Brammer, PhD, RN, CNE, FAAN
Published June 2025
