Etiology of Personality Disorder
The biopsychosocial concept that can describe the condition of Tracy, the protagonist of the “Thirteen” film, is a borderline personality disorder. Adverse effects of peers (social/environmental) are one of the causes of her condition (Porter et al., 2020). Tracy’s older and wiser new friend Evie exposes her to substance abuse and stealing, which Tracy gets engaged with to get attention.
The timing of the beginning of puberty and consequent sexual maturation (cognitive/psychological) is the other causative element. Young Tracy begins investigating her sexual orientation while engaging in sexual activity, which causes her to become confused and distressed about who she is. Tracy’s interaction with her therapist, during which she indicates that her initial sexual encounter with her mom’s partner and that her mom refuses to accept her when she reveals what happened, supports this.
DSM-5 criteria
Concerning the DSM-5, Tracy satisfies the diagnostic requirements for Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). She demonstrates an ongoing cycle of instabilities in her interactions with others, her perception of herself, and her emotions, as well as significant impulsivity, which first appears in her early adolescence and is prevalent in various circumstances. The frantic attempts Tracy makes to prevent actual or perceived abandonment (Criterion 1) lead to dangerous behavior because Tracy dislikes being left isolated and craves attention and praise from her friends (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Tracy admires Evie and craves her endorsement but exhibits a pattern of erratic and passionate interpersonal connections that oscillates among peaks of exaggeration and depreciation (Criterion 2). Tracy participates in substance misuse, self-harm, and theft, demonstrating recklessness in at least two instances that can be self-destructive (Criterion 4). As Tracy slashes herself and makes a suicide attempt, she exhibits repeated suicidal tendencies, gestures, threats, or self-mutilating conduct (Criterion 5). Additionally, when she worries about getting caught thieving or when her mom tries to conceal her medications, she displays momentary paranoid ideation and dissociation symptoms (Criterion 9) (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Thus, five classification criteria confirm the validity of Tracy’s diagnosis.
Formal and Informal Interventions
Throughout the entire movie, Tracy is depicted as struggling with her borderline personality disorder. Tracy explores or employs formal and informal therapies to aid in her recovery. Private psychotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (DBT) focus is one type of authorized remedy that Tracy is thinking about. Tracy’s therapist brings this up throughout an appointment where she discusses the advantages of DBT for controlling solid emotions and impulsive actions. Tracy initially rejects the therapist’s suggestion that she join a DBT group, even though she would gain from it.
Writing in a diary is one informal therapy Tracy uses as a valuable technique for controlling her emotions. It offers a secure and private platform for sharing difficult emotions (Porter et al., 2020). Tracy is regularly seen writing in her journal throughout the movie to work through her feelings. Tracy might use this as self-therapy to consider her experiences and learn more about her actions. However, Tracy actively seeks out ways to enhance her well-being throughout the movie, which is a start in the right direction for recovery.
Mental Health Stigma
In the film Thirteen, Tracy encounters discrimination and stigma from society because of her mental health problems. One instance, in particular, is when Melanie, her mother, takes her shopping for new clothes at a clothing store. Tracy notices many attractive girls she appreciates and wishes to associate badly with.
However, as soon as she confronts them, they make fun of her by calling her “weird” and “pathetic” based on how she acts and looks. They also make fun of her for her mother’s drug abuse and mental health issues, calling her crazy and deserving of an institution. This story is a stark illustration of how people with mental health issues can be humiliated and shunned by their peers, making it challenging to get the required assistance and leaving them feeling alone and embarrassed (Porter et al., 2020). It also emphasizes the detrimental consequences of social pressure on weak people, who may turn to their peers for acceptance and recognition at all costs due to personal struggles.
References
American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5 Task Force. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5™ (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing, Inc.. Web.
Porter, C., Palmier‐Claus, J., Branitsky, A., Mansell, W., Warwick, H., & Varese, F. (2020). Childhood adversity and borderline personality disorder: a meta‐analysis. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 141(1), 6–20. Web.