Movie Diagnosis

Instructions

1. Introduction
   i. Briefly summarize the movie (absolutely no more than one page)
2. Section 1: Diagnosis
   i. What was the primary diagnosis (or diagnoses, if the main character appears to have multiple diagnoses) portrayed in the movie?
   ii. State the key and associated features of the disorder (using DSM-5) and provide supporting examples from the film. This means you must describe the criteria for the disorder that the movie character portrays AND give an example of each from the movie.
3. Section 2: Errors in portrayal of the disorder
   i. What elements of the portrayal of the disorder in the movie do not match the diagnostic criteria for the disorder? Be specific.
   ii. What issues or difficulties did you encounter while trying to arrive at a diagnosis for the main character? For example, did any of the characters thoughts, attitudes, or behaviors not “fit” with the diagnosis you propose?
   iii. If the symptom that was wrongly portrayed in the movie belongs to another disorder, then state the disorder.
4. Section 3: Overall assessment
   i. How well did the film provide an accurate, realistic, and compassionate portrayal of the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this disorder?
   ii. What were your thoughts and feelings about 1) the character with the psychological disturbance and 2) your understanding of the movie as a whole? Did knowing about the disorders portrayed in the movie change the way you thought about the movie?
5. Conclusion

Important points to remember:
 You are expected to watch a movie that depicts a character or characters with mental illness After watching the movie, write a paper, using your knowledge learned in class and from the text, describing the diagnoses as well as what the movie depicted accurately and what was inaccurate.
 This paper is required to be in standard APA format—typed, double-spaced, with a title page.
 This paper should be at least 5 pages in length of content.

Movie List: (PICK ONE MOVIE FOR THIS PAPER)

Title Rating
Fatal Attraction
R
Girl Interrupted
R
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
PG-13

Sample Solution