choose a movie(The Three Faces of Eve) on the schedule of topics(Dissociative Disorder).
The student will read the assigned group of disorders(Dissociative Disorder) in the DSM 5 TR(upload file) and using examples from the movie write a brief (3 pages) synopsis to the movie’s representation of the clinical syndrome and how the character(s) meet the diagnostic criteria, list each criteria and explain how the characters meet or don’t meet each criteria for the particular disorder.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Movie Synopsis: “The Three Faces of Eve” and Dissociative Disorder
Introduction
“The Three Faces of Eve” is a compelling 1957 film directed by Nunnally Johnson, based on the true story of a woman named Chris Costner Sizemore. The movie portrays the life of Eve White, a woman who experiences multiple personalities, which aligns with the clinical syndrome known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in the DSM-5. This brief synopsis will analyze how the character(s) in the movie meet the diagnostic criteria for Dissociative Identity Disorder, highlighting each criterion and explaining its relevance to the character’s portrayal.
Diagnostic Criteria for Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)
According to the DSM-5, the diagnostic criteria for Dissociative Identity Disorder include:
Disruption of Identity
The presence of two or more distinct personality states or an experience of possession.
In “The Three Faces of Eve,” the character Eve White exhibits two distinct personalities: herself and an alter ego named Eve Black.
Gaps in Memory
Recurrent gaps in memory for everyday events, important personal information, or traumatic events.
Throughout the movie, Eve White experiences memory loss and confusion regarding her actions and behaviors when she transitions into her alter ego, Eve Black.
Distress and Impairment
The presence of distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Eve White’s alternating personalities significantly impact her relationships, daily life, and ability to function effectively.
Not a Normal Part of a Broadly Accepted Cultural or Religious Practice
The symptoms are not a result of cultural rituals or practices.
In “The Three Faces of Eve,” Eve White’s condition is not attributed to any cultural or religious practices but is presented as a psychological disorder.
Not Due to Substance Use or a Medical Condition
The symptoms are not due to the physiological effects of a substance or a medical condition.
The movie does not suggest that Eve White’s condition is caused by substance use or any underlying medical condition.
Synopsis: “The Three Faces of Eve”
“The Three Faces of Eve” tells the story of Eve White, a young married woman who begins experiencing inexplicable blackouts and memory lapses. After seeking help from Dr. Luther, a psychiatrist, Eve is diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Throughout the movie, Eve alternates between two distinct personalities, Eve White and Eve Black.
Eve White is portrayed as a submissive and timid woman who struggles with her role as a wife and mother. She is unable to remember her actions or behaviors when she transitions into her alter ego, Eve Black. Eve Black, on the other hand, is a more assertive and seductive personality, displaying behaviors that are starkly different from Eve White’s usual demeanor.
In terms of meeting the diagnostic criteria for Dissociative Identity Disorder:
Disruption of Identity: The movie clearly demonstrates the presence of two distinct personalities within Eve’s psyche. The transition between Eve White and Eve Black highlights this disruption.
Gaps in Memory: Eve White experiences significant memory loss during her transitions into Eve Black. She is unable to recall her actions during these periods.
Distress and Impairment: The alternating personalities cause significant distress and impairment in Eve’s life. Her relationships with her husband and daughter suffer due to her inconsistent behavior and memory lapses.
Not a Normal Part of a Broadly Accepted Cultural or Religious Practice: The movie does not attribute Eve’s condition to any cultural or religious practices but presents it as a psychological disorder.
Not Due to Substance Use or a Medical Condition: The movie does not indicate that Eve’s condition is caused by substance use or any underlying medical condition.
Conclusion
“The Three Faces of Eve” offers a portrayal of Dissociative Identity Disorder through the character Eve White’s experience with multiple personalities. By meeting the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5, the movie effectively illustrates the disruption of identity, memory gaps, distress and impairment, and rules out other possible causes such as substance use or medical conditions. Although the film simplifies the complexities of Dissociative Identity Disorder for storytelling purposes, it raises awareness about this psychological condition and its impact on an individual’s life.
