Republic of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Graduate School
Master of Arts in Psychology

______________________________________________________________________

Jan Michael M. Cabaong, RPm

MAP-Clinical Psychology

Movie: American Psycho

1. What were the psychopathological conditions portrayed in the movie by

Patrick Bateman? Describe those disorders manifested by him to be
diagnosed with such conditions.

The mental disorder he exhibited was Antisocial Personality disorder, also known
as psychopathy. Mr. Bateman’s character appeared to be charming, showed high
intelligence, lied, used manipulations, and had no remorse for his actions. Because of
his personality disorder, as shown in the film, he has no close friends, and even his
relationship with his fiance is not that trustworthy.

His high intelligence showed through his job, in which he showed high knowledge
of finance. Also, the way he killed his victims and rationalized the crimes he committed
made him intelligent enough to cover them. His lack of remorse was evident during the
time he confessed his crimes. He appeared as if he didn’t think about the lives he took
and wasn't even guilty.

2. Write a reflection on the positive and negative messages that the film or
story portray regarding the particular disorders.

While the film has some positive messages, it also has negative messages that it
shows its viewers. Patrick Bateman's actions were rationalized by saying that those
were only male drives and compulsions that he acted on. Some people might have
misunderstood the mental health problems that Mr. Bateman has. On the positive side,
it showed the perfect description of someone with Antisocial Personality Disorder.
 3. What was the impact of the movie on you as a future psychologist?

While the movie itself was disturbing to its viewers, for mental health
professionals, it left an impression of how an individual with antisocial personality
disorder behaved. To me as a future psychologist, it leaves an impression that in
diagnosing patients, we should be very cautious as there are patients who are
extremely dangerous. Although it was a fictional story, there were criminally insane
individuals globally, which means that being careful and wary is a very important thing to
remember when dealing with patients.

Answer the following questions in not less than 250 words.

- How is mental health portrayed often in films and televisions? How do you
assess the way it is being portrayed? What could impact the viewers from
watching inaccurate information about mental illness?

Mental health was portrayed in films and television shows in such a way that
symptoms and characteristics were exaggerated. From this exaggeration, people
sometimes ignored that the look of someone with a certain disorder was the way it was
being portrayed. For instance, a character with Schizophrenia might represent a very
dirty individual, ignoring the fact that an individual with Schizophrenia can be decent in
some way while suffering from such a mental illness. Another thing is that TV series and
movies add some sci-fi or paranormal touch to a certain mental disorder, which makes
them harder to understand. The more complicated the depiction, the more difficult it is to
be aware of a certain disorder. For instance, an individual suffering from OCD

In assessing the portrayal of mental illnesses in a film or television show,

although some of them gave a solid description and explanation of the illnesses,
oftentimes they gave the wrong information. There were even movies and TV series
that glorified and rationalized someone with mental illness instead of informing viewers
about treatments and how they could help to lessen the stigma surrounding mental
disorders.

The impact of showing inaccurate information about mental illness to viewers

may worsen the stigma surrounding mental health. Unawareness of signs and
symptoms of pathological behavior might put individuals suffering from mental illness at
risk. Just like what happened during the dark ages, people might see them as highly
dangerous, like witches burned at the stake. Early detection of abnormal behavior is
very important in treating mental disorders because the earlier the treatment, the better
the prognosis and the higher the possibility of being mentally healthy.
 - What recommendation will you give the local TV and film industries in
doing movies about mental illness or any mental health issues?

The recommendations that I want to give to the local TV and film industries in
making tv series or movies about mental health – first, the symptoms and
characteristics should be simplified so the majority of the public can understand. This
will help them to detect early signs of an impending mental disorder and refer them for
consultation. This will also be helpful for the individual that might be suffering so that
their mental health wouldn’t be deteriorated. If the public is aware of the clear
description of someone with mental illness, they will send the individual to the right
person who can deal with the problem. This will avoid going to faith healers and witch
doctors.

Second, the local TV and film industries also show the proper treatment for every
mental health issue they showed to the public. This will help the people to know that
the interventions and treatment are safe and possible. One stigma that surrounds the
mental disorders is that once you have a certain mental health problems, it will be for a
lifetime. What they didn’t know is that individuals with mental illness can be cured with a
proper treatment from mental health professionals.

Lastly, local TV and film industries must show those mental health professionals
who can help with regards to mental health problems. Most of the time, psychological
thriller films and/or tv series display the mental health problems that can be addressed
by whoever but that is improper. If they could show that the right person is handling
certain mental disorders – this could be easy for the public to know who can they be
asking for help if someone they love suffers from a mental illness.