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American Psycho Ap Psychology Essay

2313 Words10 Pages

Maya Grove
Brian Hamlett
AP Psychology. P5
May 19, 2023
American Psycho
Hollywood has attempted to depict psychopaths through documentaries, horror movies, and even comedies, yet they often blur the lines between different psychological disorders and misrepresent their characters. However, this did not hinder the success of the famous “cult classic” American Psycho. Patrick Bateman, the main character, is adored by men and women around the country for being a complex character, representing the success everyone hopes for, and acting out his passions in a satirical manner. Throughout the film, Bateman narrates his daily life as he switches from an investment banker on Wall Street during the day to a crazed serial killer during the night. …show more content…

Sociopathy. Under the umbrella of Antisocial Personality Disorder there are different subcategories such as a psychopath or sociopath, this is an important distinction to make when considering treatment and determining the next actions of the main character. “A sociopath is a person with a personality disorder that is marked by traits of impulsivity, risk-taking, and violence. A psychopath is a person who has an antisocial personality disorder characterized by a lack of regard for the rights and feelings of others, controlled and manipulative behavior, the absence of shame, and an inability to form emotional relationships” (Ruhl). Bateman conveys traits from both of these categories, yet one cannot be both a psychopath and a sociopath. Some may argue Bateman is neither because of his connection with his secretary Jean and his inability to kill her. In addition to this, his helplessness and his being unable to remain in character when speaking to the private investigator. When being questioned, Bateman is freaking out, scared, and on the verge of passing out. These traits don’t exactly represent a psychopath or sociopath, but they do make for a good movie. However, it is clear that Bateman suffers from ASPD, so which is he? Sociopaths are known to have emotions, but they are shallow and fleeting, they can establish some close attachments, and are constantly lying (Ruhl). Psychopaths pretend to …show more content…

"Personality Disorders." Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th, ed. American Psychiatric Publishing, 2013. DSM-V, https://dsm-psychiatryonline-org.ruby.uhv.edu/doi/full/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.dsm05. Accessed 11 November 2020.
Harris, Grant T., et al. “The Construct of Psychopathy.” Crime and Justice, vol. 28, 2001, pp. 197–264. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/1147675. Accessed 15 May 2023.
Harron, Mary, director. American Psycho. Lionsgate Films , 2000.
“Narcissistic Personality Disorder.” Mayo Clinic, 6 Apr. 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/narcissistic-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20366662.
Ruhl, Charlotte, and Charlotte RuhlMarketing Associate AnalystB.A. “How Sociopaths Are Different from Psychopaths.” Simply Psychology, 9 May 2023, www.simplypsychology.org/psychopathy-vs-sociopathy.html.
“Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/antisocial-personality-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353928?p=1. Accessed 15 May

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