Introduction
Schizophrenia is a major psychological disorder whose causes remain unclear despite its long-time existence. Studies reveal that this psychological disorder characterizes itself in poor emotional responsiveness and breakdown of processes related to the mind. As depicted in the movie A Beautiful Mind (2001) directed by Rowan Howard, schizophrenia manifests in disorganized thinking and speech, bizarre and paranoid delusions, and auditory hallucinations (Charles, 2003). Besides, the disorder also reflects a significant display of occupational and social dysfunction. This paper offers an in-depth analysis of the movie A Beautiful Mind (2001) to ascertain its display of schizophrenia as well as societal and cultural attitudes towards the disorder.
The display of schizophrenia in the movie A Beautiful Mind (2001)
The movie A Beautiful Mind (2001) is an American biographical drama that was written by Akiva Goldsman and directed by Ron Howard in 2001. Its cast includes Russell Crowe who plays the role of the main character John Forbes Nash, Jr. (Charles, 2003). Others include William Parcher, a Department of Defense agent, Alicia Nash, Charles Herman, Ainsley Neilson, Helinger, Marcee, Dr. Rosen, and Sol among others.
The movie portrays the psychological disorder called schizophrenia in the character of John Forbes Nash in his auditory and visual hallucinations (Charles, 2003). After receiving an assignment from William Parcher to try and thwart a plot by the Soviet Union, his success evokes a series of events that lead to a shoot-out between soviet agents and Parcher. The shoot-out triggers fear and worry in him, factors that make him develop a feeling of insecurity (Charles, 2003). At one point, when giving a lecture to guests at Harvard University, he suddenly sees Dr. Rosen and others as Soviet agents and attempts to flee. Rosen tries to stop him and ends up receiving a hard punch from Nash. When he is finally stopped, he gets sedated and sent to a psychiatric facility.
Schizophrenia as noted by Pellizzer and Stephane (2007) is a psychological disorder that is characterized by delusions and auditory hallucinations. Though its causes are poorly understood, it is evident as brought out in the movie after the shootout that it results from the interplay of the biological predisposition and environment that a person is exposed to. According to Pellizzer and Stephane, schizophrenia is a disorder that is largely implanted on complex inheritance considerations but requires particular environmental conditions to manifest itself.
The meta-analysis of different genetic linkages as Pellizzer and Stephane further points out, provides evidence of chromosomes increasing susceptibility that relates to coding of schizophrenia genes 1(DISCI). Quite recently, 804A (zinc finger protein) has further been linked with schizophrenia. In his study, Fava (2012) indicates that linking genetics to schizophrenia is just a major starting point and requires key triggers.
Societal and cultural attitudes on schizophrenia
Different societies and cultures have diverse attitudes and perceptions on the issue of schizophrenia. Studies have corroborated that the different attitudes held by cultures on individuals with schizophrenia and the stigma associated with it make it impossible for families and friends to understand the patients and offer the necessary support. Cosmological beliefs and cultural myths are some of the different perspectives which diverse cultures use to view schizophrenia. This as reflected in the movie influences the loyal Alicia to stay by Nash and offer care and comfort. Besides, different social and cultural groups Nash associates with seeking to help him through his mental problem by offering support and consolation (Charles, 2003). However, critical attitudes develop when Nash exposes certain characteristics like violence relative to schizophrenia.
My reaction to the characters
Different characters in the movie display certain attributes which are indeed impressive. One such character is John Nash who besides being a genius in mathematics is also deeply obsessed with leaving a legacy. Despite his mental condition, Nash is still able to pursue his ambitions and make great achievements. Besides, his wife Alicia demonstrates extreme devotion to him. She decides to stay with Nash despite knowing that her desires cannot be met.
Diagnosis
As indicated earlier, schizophrenia is a characteristic disorder reflected on disruption of emotions and cognition that affect fundamental attributes such as effect, perception, thought, sense of self, and even language.
Therefore, its diagnosis has largely been pegged on these changes. Notably, diagnosis of this disorder according to DSM-IV calls for the subjection of the patient to one-month assessment and depiction of at least two symptoms. Symptoms for the disorder are manifested either positively or negatively when normal functions are exaggerated or lost respectively. Notably, negative symptoms are often hard to identify since they are not grossly abnormal and resemble those of other mental disorders.
As the movie illustrates, schizophrenics mainly have delusions which largely invalidate the existing evidence. Fava (2012) indicates that many schizophrenics believe that some people were out to hurt them even when no such evidence is present. They also strongly personalize messages from the media and claim that they are directly communicated to them. Fava also cites hallucinations as a major symptom in people suffering from the disorder. As brought out in the movie, schizophrenics often see, hear and even smell things that are indeed not there or that others cannot cite. It is however essential that medical practitioners critically evaluate hallucinations because it could also be an indication of other conditions such as bipolar disorders or Panic Disorders among others.
Besides, people suffering from schizophrenia have disorganized speech mostly reflected through key incoherence and derailment. Though disorganization of speech is easy to identify, it is often manifested in many mental disorders and should therefore be employed alongside other assessments. Other symptoms as Pellizzer and Stephane (2007) further outline include poor concentration, difficulty when expressing and integrating thoughts, and poor memory.
Importance of the film
One of the key recurrent issues of schizophrenia is the high comorbidity level. Many psychological disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Paranoid Personality Disorders, and Panic Disorder have similar symptoms to schizophrenia such as anxiety and phobias. This makes it hard to effectively identify and diagnose, a consideration that has contributed to the high prevalence rate of schizophrenia from wrong diagnosis and treatment. This movie plays a critical role in highlighting the need to develop a deeper understanding of the disorder, offer better diagnosis and support to patients towards their recovery.
From his study, Fava (2012) cites the problem of poor definition of the term schizophrenia, a consideration largely pegged on poor understanding of the causes. As a result, the increasing scientific rigor is built on a weak basement that makes the establishment of the overall social-cultural and economic implications very difficult. The overall implication of this issue is that there is a risk of underestimation or overstating the actual impacts of schizophrenia in society. As indicated in the relationship between Nash and his wife as well as colleagues, an understanding of schizophrenia will aid society or culture to develop a positive attitude towards the disorder and individuals suffering from it.
Conclusion
From the discussion, it is evident that schizophrenia is a major psychological disorder that causes distress to affected individuals and society at large. As brought out in the movie, individuals with schizophrenia manifest disorganized thinking and speech, bizarre and paranoid delusions, and auditory hallucinations. It is important to note that a better understanding of the disorder should be established to effectively diagnose and treat it.
References
Charles, M. (2003). A beautiful mind. American Journal of Psychoanalysis, 63(1), 21-37.
Fava, G. (2012). Schizophrenia; Basic Neurochemistry. Mental Health business week Journal 78(16): 18-24.
Pellizzer, G. & Stephane, M. (2007). Response selection in schizophrenia. Experimental Brain Research, 180 (4), 705-14.