Psychological diagnosis essays

Psychological diagnosis essays Psychological diagnosis of Jack Nicholson's character in "As Good As It Gets" Jack Nicholson's character "Melvin Udall" in the film "As Good As It Gets" meets the criteria outlined in the DSM-IV for obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCD). The character of Melvin demonstrates the high needs for order, perfection, and control seen in patients with OCD. Much of his time is dominated by getting prepared and organized. Furthermore, his over-attention to what seem to most to be minor details prevents Melvin from necessarily seeing things from a larger perspective. Also, Melvin does not have any meaningful personal relationships, which is also characteristic of people with OCD. He wants everyone to cater to his way of doing things, and doesn't allow for the give and take necessary for friendships. Melvin appears stiff and impossible to others, unable to feel any emotions or empathy. Overall he seems not to be happy. Melvin's extreme need for order, perfection and obsessive control is evident through his varied compulsive behaviors. When Melvin enters his apartment, he closes the door and proceeds to turn each lock on his door five times. This is obviously an irrational behavior, but Melvin feels it is necessary to heed to this routine each and every time his door is opened and then closed. Also, while walking down the street as well as within buildings, Melvin avoids stepping on cracks in the sidewalk or between tiles at all costs. Melvin eats at the same restaurant, at the same table, with the same waitress every day. He also orders the exact same meal, and becomes very irate if anything in this context does not go according to his routine. Melvin also has an unreasonable obsession with cleanliness. Each time he washes his hands he uses a brand new bar of soap. In fact, he uses a new bar of soap for not only each wa...