Personality Disorder Paper

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Jun 13, 2024

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Character Analysis Paper Linda K. Peoples Dr. Sara Bengsch PSY-470 02/18/2024

Assessment Description: Exploring Personality Disorders in Film and Television Personality disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that deviate significantly from cultural expectations and cause significant distress or impairment in functioning. These disorders can be portrayed in various forms of media, including books, movies, television series, and streaming shows. In this essay, we will explore and analyze a character with a personality disorder or childhood disorder from either a book, movie, television, or streaming series. The aim is to identify the manifestations of pathological behavior in the character, provide a possible diagnosis, discuss the psychological model that best explains the cause of their symptoms, and suggest a possible treatment plan. For this assessment, we will be examining the character of Hannah Baker from the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why. The main themes of this film revolve around social isolation, bullying, sexual assault, and the romanticization of suicide, and the portray of mental illness effects on people. Through a series of cassette tapes, she reveals the reasons behind her decision to end her life. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that over 41,000 people lose their lives to suicide annually, ranking it as the 10th most common cause of death for adults in the United States and the second highest for individuals aged 10-24. Manifestations of Pathological Behavior Based on her behaviors and experiences depicted in the show, it is evident that she may have borderline personality disorder (BPD) along with signs of other mental health disorders.

BPD, also known as borderline personality disorder, is defined by a consistent tendency towards instability in one's relationships with others, self-perception, and emotions, often accompanied by impulsive behavior and a strong fear of being abandoned.The main symptoms of BPD, as seen in Hannah, are intense emotional dysregulation, unstable and chaotic relationships, impulsivity, self-harming behaviors, and fear of abandonment. Throughout the series, we see Hannah struggling with intense emotions, from rage and anger to intense sadness and despair. She seems to have difficulty controlling her emotions, often lashing out at those around her. She also has a distorted self-image, constantly doubting herself and branding herself as a 'bad person' due to the negative experiences she has faced. We also see her engaging in risky behaviors, such as going to a party with strangers, without considering the consequences. Perhaps the most significant manifestation of her BPD is her experience with intense fear of abandonment. She has a deep-seated fear of being abandoned and rejected by those she cares about, which is evident in her relationships with her friends, family, and romantic interests. Upon Hannah's vulnerability, it becomes apparent that she is experiencing intense pain, mainly caused by the malicious adolescents in her surroundings. However, there are numerous occasions where her perception of herself, along with her level of self-assurance, improves. This is primarily triggered by the loving actions of others towards her. Possible Diagnosis According to the DSM-5, Hannah's behavior falls under the category of borderline personality disorder. Based on the manifestations of pathological behavior observed in Hannah, it is

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possible to diagnose her with borderline personality disorder (BPD). BPD falls under the Cluster B personality disorders in the DSM-5, characterized by dramatic, emotional, or erratic behavior. The ICD-10 code for BPD is F60.3. To justify this diagnosis, we can refer to the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5 for BPD. Hannah meets at least five of the nine criteria, including emotional instability, unstable and intense relationships, impulsivity, self-image disturbances, fear of abandonment, and self-harming behaviors. Psychological Model Explaining the Cause of Symptoms This model suggests that biological, psychological, and social factors all play a significant role in the development of mental disorders (Engel, 1977). In the case of Hannah Baker, biological factors such as genetics and brain chemistry may have predisposed her to depression. There are several psychological models that attempt to explain the causes of personality disorders. The most popular and widely accepted model is the biosocial theory, which suggests that a combination of biological vulnerabilities and childhood experiences can lead to the development of BPD. Hannah's experiences, from familial issues to traumatic events and bullying, can be seen as significant risk factors in the onset of her BPD. Her unstable and chaotic relationships with her parents and friends can also be linked to her early childhood experiences, such as the loss of her best friend. Furthermore, her biological predisposition may have hindered her ability to cope with these adverse experiences, leading to the development of BPD.

Possible Treatment Plan Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) would be the most effective form of therapy for Hannah, as it focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors (Beck, A.T., 1976) . The treatment of BPD involves a multidimensional and integrated approach, including psychotherapy, medication, and skills training. The primary goal of treating BPD is to help individuals develop more effective coping strategies and improve their overall functioning. For Hannah, a combination of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and medication may be effective in managing her symptoms and improving her quality of life. DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on teaching individuals' specific skills to regulate their emotions, cope with distress, and improve interpersonal relationships. This therapy can help Hannah learn skills to manage her intense emotions, deal with her fear of abandonment, and develop a more positive self-image. Along with therapy, medication, such as antidepressants, may be prescribed to treat associated symptoms, such as depression and anxiety. In addition to therapy and medication, it is essential for Hannah to practice self-care and engage in healthy coping mechanisms. She can engage in activities that bring her joy, such as writing or drawing, to channel her intense emotions in a positive way. She can also practice mindfulness techniques to help her cope with distressing situations and regulate her emotions. It is crucial for her to surround herself with a supportive and understanding network of friends and family, as well as seek professional help when needed.

Conclusion In conclusion, the character of Hannah Baker in 13 Reasons Why is a prime example of someone struggling with BPD. Through her behaviors and experiences depicted in the show, we were able to identify the manifestations of pathological behavior, provide a possible diagnosis, and discuss the psychological model that best explains the cause of her symptoms. We also explored a possible treatment plan for Hannah, highlighting the integrated and multidimensional approach to managing BPD. It is essential to recognize and understand the portrayal of mental health conditions in popular media as it can help to spread awareness and reduce stigma around these disorders. By analyzing and understanding the manifestations of pathological behavior, diagnosing the character, and exploring the psychological model that best explains their condition, we can gain a better understanding of these disorders. Furthermore, by discussing possible treatment plans, we can also educate viewers on the importance of seeking help and provide hope for individuals who may be struggling with similar issues.

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References: American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author. Beck, A.T. (1976). Cognitive therapy and the emotional disorders. New York, NY: International Universities Press. Engel, G. L. (1977). The need for a new medical model: A challenge for biomedicine. Science, 196(4286), 129-136. doi: 10.1126/science.847460 Netflix. (2017). 13 Reasons Why [Television series]. California, USA: Paramount Television, Anonymous Content.

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