Movie characters with Psychological disorders

This post will appeal to you if:
1) you want to learn about what personality disorders are
2) you want to sound smart in front of your friends when watching TV
3) you want a “cheat sheet” to study for your upcoming abnormal psychology midterm
4) you like reading fun blog posts

Psychologists use what is called the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – or the DSM – to determine which diagnosis to give an individual. One section of the DSM is on personality disorders which are long-term, persistent disorders that are “associated with ways of thinking and feeling about oneself and others that significantly and adversely affect how an individual functions in many aspects of life.” In consultation with my peers, I have compiled the list below which outlines popular characters that we might diagnose with the different personality disorders. The italicized lines are the official characteristics used to determine if someone meets the criteria for a disorder. Following the italicized lines there are examples of how the character fits this criteria, although not every criteria is matched. This is appropriate though, since individuals do not need to meet all criteria in order to be given the diagnosis.

Schizoid Personality Disorder – Batman
(Must meet 4 criteria)

1. Neither desires nor enjoys close relationships, including being part of a family: His only relationship is with his butler. He has no friends or family. Not even parents. (Okay, the latter is not his fault)

2. Almost always chooses solitary activities: Living in a bat cave will do that to you

3. Has little, if any, interest in having sexual experiences with another person: His resistance of Catwoman is beyond comprehension

4. Takes pleasure in few, if any, activities: His known activities are fighting crime and killing. It is unclear if this qualifies as a career or activities though. Regardless, it’s unclear if he could be enjoying these activities…

5. Lacks close friends or confidants other than first-degree relatives:To be fair, they all get killed by his nemeses

6. Appears indifferent to the praise or criticism of others: The police criticize him all the time and he couldn’t care less. Batman only cares about what Batman thinks

7. Shows emotional coldness, detachment, or flattened affectivity: His voice literally has no inflection in it. I guess if growly was an emotion, he would have that. But otherwise, his demeanor definitely comes off as unemotional

Schizotypal Personality Disorder – Willy Wonka

(Must meet 5 criteria)

1. Ideas of reference (excluding delusions of reference)

2. Odd beliefs or magical thinking that influences behavior and is inconsistent with subcultural norms: “I am the maker of music, the dreamer of dreams!” He believes that all dreams can be followed, even dreams that are impossible.