It is also the case, it seems, that not all highly sensitive people are what they may consider themselves to be, "empaths" (a term not recognized by the DSM-V.) And empathy and sympathy are not the same thing.

Being able to feel another's pain is not the same thing as being caring and giving to another, although that seems to be what people who call themselves Empaths want to project.

Lots of confusion caused by sloppy labeling and self diagnosing. Lots of rationalization going on which may be of benefit to persons who are ailing but does little to support an accurate diagnosis or assessment.