Psychological Disorder: Introductory Psychology Course

Psychological Disorder
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Psychological Disorder
Common abnormalities such as depression, dementia, schizophrenia and anxiety are rampant among people. These conditions are normally associated with mood swings, personality, habits, weird behaviours and social withdrawals. However, many people do not detect such behaviours as symptoms of psychological disorders. Thus, psychology reveals that some mental, emotions and physical conditions that are exhibited by people may be associated with psychological disorders. In order to understand such conditions various techniques are applied in the study of human behavior. For example movies and comedies are currently used to show behavior of characters that can easily be linked to disorders. One such movie is the American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis which is a masterpiece that is entertaining. The movie reveals Patrick Bateman (Christian Bale) as the protagonist. He is a banker who is wealthy, self-centered, addicted to sex, drugs. On the same note, he is obsessed with physical health, stereo equipment, and business card. Even though the movie is interesting, its plots and themes reveal different psychological disorders through the protagonist’s behaviors. The essay herein discusses behaviors of a Patrick which are then analyzed to reveal the different disorders associated with his actions.
Based on the American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis, Patrick Bateman is a murderer who has killed Paul Allen due to jealousy. Paul is Patrick’s rival in competition hence his motive for killing l is that he is able to access high-class restaurants with nice business cards. The audience is able to see how Patrick assumes that Paul is out of town. As a result, detective Kimball investigates the incident which makes Patrick be nervous (Freccero, 1997). Consequently, Patrick engages in a killing spree to cover the now serious case. As the film progresses the audience is able to note that there is a mix up in Patrick's mental activity which falls between the reality and fantasy. The continued satirical look in Patrick's eyes proves that he is responsible for the numerous killings which come to the full circle making the audience to wonder whether such atrocities were based on the reality or were as a result of psychopath state (Girard, et al, 2007).
Relating the film to psychology, it can be assumed that Patrick Bateman started experiencing a mental disorder at earlier stages of life probably before the age of 15 years. Even though the audience is unable to see him at his earlier younger years, some of the symptoms that are normally exhibited at such age include disorderly behaviors. In most of the incidences, the protagonist breaks the law by engaging in a killing spree, he is a liar. For example, initially, at the beginning of the film, Patrick makes a lie about a stained sheet as well as declining to reveal his identity to Lewis (Freccero, 1997). Other traits that he portrays to show that he has mental disorder include constant justification of the bad behaviors and are never remorseful after harming people. For example, Patrick never feels sorry when he breaks up with his fiancé. In addition, he is usually impulsive and unable to plan his activities. For example, Patrick never informs Dorsia or even calling her and requesting for a table. He is also unable to plan ahead. Lastly, Patrick is an irresponsible person who does not value work. Instead, he listens to music and organizes frequent lunches (Freccero, 1997).
Regarding the antisocial personality disorder, Patrick Bateman is a charming person, especially with his friends. An incident where he showed his charming prowess is when they go to a club from work and pick a lady. He is able to seduce this young woman using his charms. Another aspect of antisocial personality disorder as exhibited by Patrick is his sense of selfishness and sense of superiority (Andershed, Gustafson, Kerr & Stattin, 2002). Such behaviors, for example, is noted when he is with Luis Carruthers. On the same note, he portrays a poor relationship with his fiancé. The relationship is disdain and normally cheats on his girlfriend. In addition, he is able to manipulate Paul Allen and other friends, especially when talking to the detective Kimball. In support of the same, Patrick is involved in the violation of the rights of others. For example, he manages to drug the wine of one person after realizing that he has one of the acquaintances (Andershed, et al, 2002).
Patrick's behavior as revealed in the film indicates that he is suffering from Narcissistic Personality disorder. For example, his beliefs are unique. He only interacts with people of his caliber such Timothy. On the same note, he loves admiration with a sense of self-importance that is exaggerated (Andershed, et al, 2002). The film shows how Patrick arrogantly talks to the prostitute and asks if they are interested in his activities. This is coupled with high level of fantasies of beauty. This is mainly noted at the beginning of the film where Patrick grooms himself a...