MovieChat Forums > Girl, Interrupted (2000) Discussion > Lisa -- Difference of a sociopath + bi-p...

Lisa -- Difference of a sociopath + bi-polar


Sociopath Profile:

The characteristics of a Sociopath is Glibness and Superficial Charm, Manipulative and Conning. They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims. Grandiose Sense of Self..ie..They feel entitled to certain things as "their right." Pathological Lying -- Have no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests. They have a lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt. They also have a deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way. Shallow Emotions -- When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises. They have a Incapacity for Love. They do not love. Always the need for Stimulation.Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.
Callousness/Lack of Empathy-- Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency which Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc. Irresponsibility/Unreliability and not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed. Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity is in their nature and this can develop because of previous forms of child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively. They change their life story readily.


Bi-Polar Profile:
Bipolar disorder or bipolar affective disorder, historically known as manic-depressive disorder, is a psychiatric diagnosis that describes a category of mood disorders defined by the presence of one or more episodes of abnormally elevated energy levels, cognition, and mood with or without one or more depressive episodes. The elevated moods are clinically referred to as mania or, if milder, hypomania. Individuals who experience manic episodes also commonly experience depressive episodes, or symptoms, or a mixed state in which features of both mania and depression are present at the same time. These events are usually separated by periods of "normal" mood; but, in some individuals, depression and mania may rapidly alternate, which is known as rapid cycling. Severe manic episodes can sometimes lead to such psychotic symptoms as delusions and hallucinations.Genetic factors contribute substantially to the likelihood of developing bipolar disorder, and environmental factors are also implicated. Bipolar disorder is often treated with mood stabilizing medications and, sometimes, other psychiatric drugs. Psychotherapy also has a role, often when there has been some recovery of the subject's stability. In serious cases, in which there is a risk of harm to oneself or others, involuntary commitment may be used. These cases generally involve severe manic episodes with dangerous behavior or depressive episodes with suicidal ideation. There are widespread problems with social stigma, stereotypes, and prejudice against individuals with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder exhibiting psychotic symptoms can sometimes be misdiagnosed as having schizophrenia, another different serious mental illness.

















reply

Lisa was not a sociopath. Sure, she did some pretty goddamn messed up things, but she was actually bipolar.

Remember, manic states can give people social confidence and promote antisocial behaviors like stealing, causing/looking for fights, being incredibly self-destructive and manipulative.

A person hates you because they either wanna be you, see you as a threat, or hate themself

reply

That's why I wrote this post. People were stating she was a sociopath. I major in psych and think people should understand the differences. Even if it is just a movie.

reply

Thanks for beating me to the punch, yeah exactly. Even the book will back us up. Did you also do psychiatry and medicine? I find psychotropic medications the most fascinating part of mental illness.

A person hates you because they either wanna be you, see you as a threat, or hate themself

reply

But Lisa purposely drove Daisy to suicide and didn't even feel the least bit remorseful about it.

You want to play the game, you'd better know the rules, love.
-Harry Callahan

reply

Just because she didn't show remorse doesn't mean she didn't feel remorse.

reply

Just because she didn't show remorse doesn't mean she didn't feel remorse.


Exactly. Remember, Lisa values being "real." She thinks her diagnosis of "sociopathy" makes special and therefore does what she can to make it seem more genuine. We see in the end that she's been putting up a front the entire time, showing that she does care deeply for herself and others but enjoys being the ward too much to let herself get better...



reply

She was not *beep* Bipolar! Stop diagnosing unless you know!

reply

She was misdiagnosed and thought her status as a sociopath made her cool. Lisa was actually bipolar. Read the book and calm the *beep* down.

reply

I agree.

“If one devalues rationality, the world tends to fall apart.” - von Trier

reply

Y'all don't quit your day jobs.

I'll take Punctuality

reply

[deleted]