Name: Psychology in film: Girl, Interrupted
Uploaded: 2021-12-10
Duration: 4 min 19 s
Description: Abstract background of gold dots against black. Psychology in film: Girl, Interrupted.

Abstract background of gold dots against black. Psychology in film: Girl, Interrupted. 

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Abstract background of gold dots against black

Abstract background of gold dots against black. Basic Movie Description. 

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Character:  Susanna Kaysen  Movie:  Girl, Interrupted (1999) Setting:  mental hospital in Massachusetts in the 1960’s Condition:  Borderline Personality Disorder

Abstract background of gold dots against black. Borderline Personality Disorder. 

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Symptoms Include: Instability in relationships Mood swings/emotional Instability in self-image  Insecurity Impulsivity Self-harming behaviors

Borderline personality disorder is characterized by instability in relationships, mood, and self-image. People with BPD cannot tolerate the thought of being alone and will do anything to avoid abandonment or being alone.

Abstract background of gold dots against black. Susanna Kaysen and BPD. 

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Susanna Kaysen is an 18-year-old girl who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder in Massachusetts in the 1960’s, she is taken to a mental hospital for an 18-month stay. In the beginning of the movie, she is in complete denial of her condition. Susanna claims not to be promiscuous even though that is what her file reads, when she and her friends steal their files from the psychiatrist office.

After Lisa and Susanna get in trouble together, Lisa gets moved to another building. Shortly after, Lisa and Susanna break out of the hospital. They go to Daisy’s apartment where Lisa taunts Daisy to the point of hanging herself the next morning. This event takes Susanna back to the mental hospital where she finally accepts her condition, gets treatment, and overcomes her issues.

Abstract background of gold dots against black. Susanna’s BPD Symptoms. 

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Susanna exhibits two main symptoms of BPD: suicidal tendencies and sexual impulsivity Sexual Compulsivity: Susanna engages in sex with a staff member to avoid getting in trouble Suicidal Tendencies: At the beginning of the movie, Susanna tries to overdoes on aspirin  Susanna’s family isn’t much help, as they live in a rich, judgmental culture. Her parents are less concerned about her conditioned and more about what they will tell their friends.

Abstract background of gold dots against black. Treatment. 

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Regarding treatment, dialectical behavior therapy, DBT, is quite helpful.  It promotes self acceptance and attempts to develop skills in order to deal with the emotions of the patient.  It is found to be extremely successful. The supervisor suggests that she write down all of her thoughts in her journal.  This mindfulness skill helps her to improve drastically, and she becomes more open with her therapist.  This relieves her of her emotional turmoil and begins the healing process.

Abstract background of gold dots against black. Broader Perspectives. 

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Overall, the movie did a a good job portraying BPD realistically. However, they focused a lot on the sexual compulsivity, and not enough on the self-image issues that BPD patients experience. The movie focuses too much on the events leading up to her acceptance of her condition, and not enough on her actual treatment and recovery. The movie really does not say much about her treatment, just that she finally accepts it and gets better.

Psychology in film: Girl, Interrupted

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