Mental illnesses come in many shapes and forms. Years ago, many would not understand the nature of mental illness and simply lump it all together or call it an effect of sin. Just because people do not document or understand it does not mean is simply does not exist. That becomes apparent when one reads Shakespeare's Macbeth. Macbeth's mental disorders are dormant until an event triggers them. Macbeth suffers from Schizophrenia, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder.
Macbeth is handicapped by a moderate case of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is "defined by abnormalities in one or more of the following five domains: delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking (speech), grossly disorganized or abnormal motor behavior (including catatonia), and negative
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This symptom alone is known as megalomania. This sense of superiority leads Macbeth to “[be] preoccupied with fantasies about success [and] power” (Mayo Clinic Staff). He is quick to believe Macduff is in the wrong and to punish him for simply not attending the party he plans. He murders Macduff’s family and, as seen in this action, “completely lack[s] any moral integrity” (Dominic, 256). He chooses his “role as a stage-tyrant” and continuously shows how uncaring he is toward others (Felperin 167). He does not seem to care much when his own wife dies. At this point in the play he has “an inability or unwillingness to recognize the needs and feelings of others” (Mayo Clinic Staff). Macbeth cannot see that he does not deserve power nor has he accomplished anything great as king that would be deserving of such respect. He, however, seems to think otherwise. Macbeth believes he is “entitled” to this respect automatically. He believes that Macduff disrespects him in not accepting an invitation from the king. He decides to punish him as a