Diane's psychosis
The movie portrayed this more than the book but other than the final results of diane's psychological exam does anyone else think she was also a nymphomaniac in addition to her diagnosis? I tend to think so
I just caught the last hour of the movie and it's been several years since I read the book, but yes, I thought she was a nympho also.
shareI just caught the movie on Lifetime. The woman was just nuts!! Hey, did anyone know that the eldest daughter went to college and is now working with kids!!:) And, the boy, even though he is paralyed, he became a champion swimmer at his college!!:)
shareYes, I read that in one of the other posts. That is wonderful that the kids are happy and healthy adults now!
"everyday above ground is a good one" :))))
This is an old post, but I was recently wondering this myself. Farrah was methodically thorough in her research prior to playing the role. In an interview promoting the film, Farrah disclosed that this woman was diagnosed with THREE(3) personality disorders. One was Histrionic, another was Narcissistic, and I can not remember what the third diagnosed disorder, but I believe it to be Paranoid Personality Disorder.
To answer the original question, Dysfunctional sexual behavior would definitely be symptomatic of the first two personality disorders.
In short, the woman was a mess.
According to the 20/20 interview with Rebecca (Diane's baby given up for adoption), the three personality disorders were histrionic, narcissistic, and antisocial. "Nymphomania" is no longer even included in the DSM, but like the poster said above, hypersexuality is exhibited in histrionic and narcissistic PDs.
shareIt wasn't Paranoid Personality Disorder, it was Antisocial Personality Disorder; combine Narcissistic and Histrionic with Antisocial Personality disorder and you more or less have a psychopath.
Narcissistic Personality Disorder:
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3. Believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
4. Requires excessive admiration
5. Has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
6. Is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
8. Is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her
9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
She has signs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Histrionic Personality Disorder:
A pervasive pattern of excessive emotionality and attention seeking, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
1. is uncomfortable in situations in which he or she is not the center of attention
2. interaction with others is often characterized by inappropriate sexually seductive or provocative behavior
3. displays rapidly shifting and shallow expression of emotions
4. consistently uses physical appearance to draw attention to self
5. has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacking in detail
6. shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion
7. is suggestible, i.e., easily influenced by others or circumstances
8. considers relationships to be more intimate than they actually are.
She has all eight, especially where she believes that relationships are more intimate than they really are.
Antisocial Personality Disorder:
There is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others occurring since age 15 years, as indicated by three or more of the following:
1. failure to conform to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors as indicated by repeatedly performing acts that are grounds for arrest;
2. deception, as indicated by repeatedly lying, use of aliases, or conning others for personal profit or pleasure;
3. impulsiveness or failure to plan ahead;
4. irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults;
5. reckless disregard for safety of self or others;
6. consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by repeated failure to sustain consistent work behavior or honor financial obligations;
7. lack of remorse, as indicated by being indifferent to or justifying having hurt, mistreated, or stolen from another
She has all seven signs.