A Beautiful Mind
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Mr. Simon
May 14, 2012, 1:04:55 PM5/14/12
to Sperry AP Psych
Do one of the following. You may not provide the same answer as one of
your fellow sectionmates. Due by midnight after the last day we watch
the movie. This is worth 10 points.
1) What type of schizophrenia does Nash have? Why do you say that?
2) What criteria of schizophrenia does Nash exhibit? Provide a
specific example.
3) What treatments does Nash try? What is the problem with the
particular treatment?
4) What subtle nod does the movie give to Nash's schizophrenia before
it is entirely clear from the movie that he has schizophrenia? In
other words, what do the characters say or do that foreshadows the
eventual revelation that Nash is schizophrenic?
your fellow sectionmates. Due by midnight after the last day we watch
the movie. This is worth 10 points.
1) What type of schizophrenia does Nash have? Why do you say that?
2) What criteria of schizophrenia does Nash exhibit? Provide a
specific example.
3) What treatments does Nash try? What is the problem with the
particular treatment?
4) What subtle nod does the movie give to Nash's schizophrenia before
it is entirely clear from the movie that he has schizophrenia? In
other words, what do the characters say or do that foreshadows the
eventual revelation that Nash is schizophrenic?
Michael Rolincik
May 15, 2012, 4:10:43 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
Nash falls under the disorganized subtype of schizophrenia. It is
difficult for him to communicate with those around him, as he barely
ever makes eye contact. When he does, it is for a very brief time.
Another example of his difficulty with communication, is when he is at
the bar and tries to get with a girl. He is extremely blunt and isn't
aware of the way his words will affect her. Nash also seems somewhat
unstable in terms of his emotions. One example of this is when Nash is
in his dorm and he smashes his head into the window. He then proceeds
in pushing his desk around the room and shoving his roommate to the
ground.
difficult for him to communicate with those around him, as he barely
ever makes eye contact. When he does, it is for a very brief time.
Another example of his difficulty with communication, is when he is at
the bar and tries to get with a girl. He is extremely blunt and isn't
aware of the way his words will affect her. Nash also seems somewhat
unstable in terms of his emotions. One example of this is when Nash is
in his dorm and he smashes his head into the window. He then proceeds
in pushing his desk around the room and shoving his roommate to the
ground.
Tess Harrington
May 15, 2012, 4:23:36 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
4. Only roughly 30 minutes into the film, the audience is not yet
aware that he has schizophrenia, or is even aware of his delusions and
hallucinations, which will be evident later on. However, there has
been some definite foreshadowing of these symptoms. An example of his
irrational thought (minor delusions) is that he thinks he does not
need to go to classes because it "dulls the mind," and that despite
not going to classes, he still deserves placement. We will see later
on in the film that this is nothing compared to the delusions and
hallucinations he will battle, but it is foreshadowing nonetheless.
aware that he has schizophrenia, or is even aware of his delusions and
hallucinations, which will be evident later on. However, there has
been some definite foreshadowing of these symptoms. An example of his
irrational thought (minor delusions) is that he thinks he does not
need to go to classes because it "dulls the mind," and that despite
not going to classes, he still deserves placement. We will see later
on in the film that this is nothing compared to the delusions and
hallucinations he will battle, but it is foreshadowing nonetheless.
Meghan Mahoney
May 15, 2012, 4:27:13 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
Nash shows both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia. One
negative symptom he displays is the flat affect. The flat affect
describes an individual who does not show much emotion. Nash often
seems pretty emotionless, such as when his roommate is introduced when
he attempts to distract Nash. Nash does not get angry with his
roommate but simply remains focused on his work. Nash has shown a
real outburst of emotion when he is frustrated and bangs his head
against the window, and also when he has a burst of insight that leads
him to his original discovery. Nash also displays a positive symptom
of disorganized thought/speech. At times he is truly at a loss for
words in front of his peers, however this is more clearly shown when
he cannot say anything to the first woman at the bar.
negative symptom he displays is the flat affect. The flat affect
describes an individual who does not show much emotion. Nash often
seems pretty emotionless, such as when his roommate is introduced when
he attempts to distract Nash. Nash does not get angry with his
roommate but simply remains focused on his work. Nash has shown a
real outburst of emotion when he is frustrated and bangs his head
against the window, and also when he has a burst of insight that leads
him to his original discovery. Nash also displays a positive symptom
of disorganized thought/speech. At times he is truly at a loss for
words in front of his peers, however this is more clearly shown when
he cannot say anything to the first woman at the bar.
Mark mulligan
May 15, 2012, 4:39:16 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
While the audience may not know it, Nash clearly exhibits
schizophrenic symptoms early in the film. Even when people are trying
to talk to him and engage him, Nash just draws on the windows, and
makes no clear attempt to communicate with anybody but himself. This
example is a common symptom of schizophrenia, as they often talk to
themselves, and say or do things that only they seem to understand.
While Nash is clearly smart, his drawings on the windows and his
muttering to himself could be confused for genius, but later is
clearly revealed to be a symptom of schizophrenia.
On May 14, 1:04 pm, "Mr. Simon" <jsimon...@gmail.com> wrote:
Justin Chow
May 15, 2012, 4:44:30 PM5/15/12
to sperry-...@googlegroups.com
2) Nash exhibits the negative symptom, asociality. That is, he lacks motivation to create strong social bonds or relationships with anyone and he does not participate in any social activities. In one scene, Nash is seen watching the men play football while he just sits in his room studying. Another time is the scene where Nash is in the bar the second time. There is a group of women with a blonde woman in the middle who he seems interested in him. Instead of talking to her, Nash comes up with his original idea to prove a theory wrong, so he just says, "thank you" to her and leaves. Instead of making interaction with the woman, he seemed more interested in his work, ultimately lowering his social performance.
Mark mulligan
May 15, 2012, 4:37:00 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
While the audience may not know it, Nash clearly exhibits
schizophrenic symptoms early in the film. Even when people are trying
to talk to him and engage him, Nash just draws on the windows, and
makes no clear attempt to communicate with anybody but himself. This
example is a common symptom of schizophrenia, as they often talk to
themselves, and say or do things that only they seem to understand.
While Nash is clearly smart, his drawings on the windows and his
muttering to himself could be confused for genius, but later is
clearly revealed to be a symptom of schizophrenia.
On May 14, 1:04 pm, "Mr. Simon" <jsimon...@gmail.com> wrote:
schizophrenic symptoms early in the film. Even when people are trying
to talk to him and engage him, Nash just draws on the windows, and
makes no clear attempt to communicate with anybody but himself. This
example is a common symptom of schizophrenia, as they often talk to
themselves, and say or do things that only they seem to understand.
While Nash is clearly smart, his drawings on the windows and his
muttering to himself could be confused for genius, but later is
clearly revealed to be a symptom of schizophrenia.
On May 14, 1:04 pm, "Mr. Simon" <jsimon...@gmail.com> wrote:
Abi Cooper
May 15, 2012, 5:42:16 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
Some of the lighting techniques used in the film allude to the
hallucinations that characterize schizophrenia. For example, at the
beginning of the film, when all the students are arriving, Nash plays
with the refraction of light through the glasses on the table, lining
the beams of light up with the other man's tie. When the two patterns
line up, the tie flashes brightly, which could be a small
hallucination. The same sort of thing happens when he is in the bar
and suddenly has a flash of insight about how to improve Adam Smith's
economic theory. The woman's face flashes brightly, and there is then
a series of movements of the different women to illustrate Nash's
theory, when in fact they have stayed in the same place. Though this
movement may stem purely from the intention of the filmmakers to
illustrate what Nash is thinking visually, the flashes of light on
things of interest to Nash do help foreshadow the hallucinations and
delusions that will come with the development of his schizophrenia.
hallucinations that characterize schizophrenia. For example, at the
beginning of the film, when all the students are arriving, Nash plays
with the refraction of light through the glasses on the table, lining
the beams of light up with the other man's tie. When the two patterns
line up, the tie flashes brightly, which could be a small
hallucination. The same sort of thing happens when he is in the bar
and suddenly has a flash of insight about how to improve Adam Smith's
economic theory. The woman's face flashes brightly, and there is then
a series of movements of the different women to illustrate Nash's
theory, when in fact they have stayed in the same place. Though this
movement may stem purely from the intention of the filmmakers to
illustrate what Nash is thinking visually, the flashes of light on
things of interest to Nash do help foreshadow the hallucinations and
delusions that will come with the development of his schizophrenia.
Lucy
May 15, 2012, 6:11:27 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
Although Nash could fall under the disorganized subtype of
schizophrenia, he could also be diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
Paranoid schizophrenia, unlike disorganized schizophrenia, rarely
relates to difficulties concentrating and thinking: It is clear that
Nash is still very capable of high levels of focus. His thoughts, if
not always his words, are coherent and he displays rational though
often socially unacceptable behavior, observable in his interaction
with the woman he approaches at the bar. We discover later that Nash
suffers from complex hallucinations, such as the agent who approaches
him, expanding to a soviet scheme and an organization that requires
him to sort through magazines and newspapers for codes that would lead
him to a soviet plot, and the implantation of a tracking device in his
forearm. This hallucination is particularly egocentric in nature, (the
concept of being singled out by an individual or group with a scheme
centered around oneself) and very characteristic of paranoid type
schizophrenia, he could also be diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.
Paranoid schizophrenia, unlike disorganized schizophrenia, rarely
relates to difficulties concentrating and thinking: It is clear that
Nash is still very capable of high levels of focus. His thoughts, if
not always his words, are coherent and he displays rational though
often socially unacceptable behavior, observable in his interaction
with the woman he approaches at the bar. We discover later that Nash
suffers from complex hallucinations, such as the agent who approaches
him, expanding to a soviet scheme and an organization that requires
him to sort through magazines and newspapers for codes that would lead
him to a soviet plot, and the implantation of a tracking device in his
forearm. This hallucination is particularly egocentric in nature, (the
concept of being singled out by an individual or group with a scheme
centered around oneself) and very characteristic of paranoid type
Lisa Hsieh
May 15, 2012, 6:19:33 PM5/15/12
to sperry-...@googlegroups.com
Nash exhibits many symptoms that are characteristic of paranoid
schizophrenia, particularly those of social withdrawal and flat
emotional response. In the movie it is evident that Nash is socially
withdrawn, for he prefers working at his desk or at the library for
many days at a time without seeing anyone, and when he does join his
colleagues, he’s very awkward, as evidenced by his stuttering and
profuse excuses when he loses at a board game. Furthermore, Nash
constantly exhibits a flat emotional response in most circumstances;
one example would be when he talks to Herman about how his elementary
school teacher said that he had “two helpings of brain but only half a
helping of heart”. Although most would respond negatively to this
verbal accusation, Nash displays a lack of inflection in his voice
while repeating the phrase, which demonstrates how he is able to
respond in a listless way to an event that should have invoked some
kind of reaction in him.
schizophrenia, particularly those of social withdrawal and flat
emotional response. In the movie it is evident that Nash is socially
withdrawn, for he prefers working at his desk or at the library for
many days at a time without seeing anyone, and when he does join his
colleagues, he’s very awkward, as evidenced by his stuttering and
profuse excuses when he loses at a board game. Furthermore, Nash
constantly exhibits a flat emotional response in most circumstances;
one example would be when he talks to Herman about how his elementary
school teacher said that he had “two helpings of brain but only half a
helping of heart”. Although most would respond negatively to this
verbal accusation, Nash displays a lack of inflection in his voice
while repeating the phrase, which demonstrates how he is able to
respond in a listless way to an event that should have invoked some
kind of reaction in him.
katestewart
May 15, 2012, 6:28:35 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
The most common treatment for Schizophrenia is anti-psychotic drugs.
This will reduce the dopamine in Nash's brain. One problem with this
treatment can be a side effect called Tardive dyskinesia. This causes
rigid or uncontrolled movement, much like that seen in Parkinson's
patients. Another problem with this treatment could potentially be
difficulty keeping Nash on the medication, with the right schedule and
dosage.
This will reduce the dopamine in Nash's brain. One problem with this
treatment can be a side effect called Tardive dyskinesia. This causes
rigid or uncontrolled movement, much like that seen in Parkinson's
patients. Another problem with this treatment could potentially be
difficulty keeping Nash on the medication, with the right schedule and
dosage.
Marina Guigli
May 15, 2012, 8:26:16 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
In addition to antipsychotic drugs, therapy can be used to treat
Nash’s Schizophrenia. This treatment will allow Nash to acquire
problem solving skills and help him understand himself. Therapy or
rehabilitation will help Nash to change his behavior without using
drugs. Unlike antipsychotic drugs, therapy does not have many negative
side effects but it may also not be as affective. Because Nash’s
Schizophrenia is not severe, Nash could benefit from individual
therapy.
Nash’s Schizophrenia. This treatment will allow Nash to acquire
problem solving skills and help him understand himself. Therapy or
rehabilitation will help Nash to change his behavior without using
drugs. Unlike antipsychotic drugs, therapy does not have many negative
side effects but it may also not be as affective. Because Nash’s
Schizophrenia is not severe, Nash could benefit from individual
therapy.
Emily Weinstein
May 15, 2012, 8:56:08 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
One treatment that Nash tries is anti-psychotic medication. Alicia
continuously gives Nash his medication, and at first he is good about
taking it. However, the side effects of Nash's medication begin to
effect his daily life, which causes him to stop taking the medication.
Nash becomes uninvolved, unresponsive, and emotionally checked-out. He
does not think that his life on the drugs can really be considered
"living". As a result, he stops taking the medication and his
delusions re-appear. This is very typical of patients on anti-
psychotic drugs. The patients are called "revolving door patients"
because they are continuously checked back into the hospital once they
refuse to take their medication.
continuously gives Nash his medication, and at first he is good about
taking it. However, the side effects of Nash's medication begin to
effect his daily life, which causes him to stop taking the medication.
Nash becomes uninvolved, unresponsive, and emotionally checked-out. He
does not think that his life on the drugs can really be considered
"living". As a result, he stops taking the medication and his
delusions re-appear. This is very typical of patients on anti-
psychotic drugs. The patients are called "revolving door patients"
because they are continuously checked back into the hospital once they
refuse to take their medication.
Maica
May 15, 2012, 9:38:17 PM5/15/12
to Sperry AP Psych
4) The filmmakers use many moments to suggest Nash's schizophrenia.
One such moment is when Nash has his big breakthrough in the bar. One
common symptom of schizophrenia is hallucinations. While partially
explaining his theory to the boys about how to get the blond girl he
hallucinates the multiple scenarios. He sees the multiple scenarios
play out in front of him. To indicate that he is seeing this and his
classmates are not the filmmakers show the figures in the scenarios in
a more translucent light. They also play them with Nash narrating the
situation. Another common symptom is disorganized speech. Nash
partially displays this when he half explains his theory in broken
speech to the boys but is mostly talking to himself. The filmmakers
use these early hallucinations and partially disorganized speech to
imply that there is more to come.
One such moment is when Nash has his big breakthrough in the bar. One
common symptom of schizophrenia is hallucinations. While partially
explaining his theory to the boys about how to get the blond girl he
hallucinates the multiple scenarios. He sees the multiple scenarios
play out in front of him. To indicate that he is seeing this and his
classmates are not the filmmakers show the figures in the scenarios in
a more translucent light. They also play them with Nash narrating the
situation. Another common symptom is disorganized speech. Nash
partially displays this when he half explains his theory in broken
speech to the boys but is mostly talking to himself. The filmmakers
use these early hallucinations and partially disorganized speech to
imply that there is more to come.
Anna Kasok
May 16, 2012, 3:52:05 PM5/16/12
to Sperry AP Psych
Nash has paranoid schizophrenia. One symptom of paranoid
schizophrenia is anxiety. When Nash yells at Alicia for turning on
the light and insists that she go to her sister's house because he saw
cars outside their apartment, he is showing anxiety. When he is
trying to teach a class but ends up running away because he sees two
black cars outside--cars that turn out to just have families in them,
he is also exhibiting anxiety. Another symptom of paranoid
schizophrenia is emotional distance. Nash has trouble communicating
with people, even those that he cares about. When he is late for
Alicia's birthday dinner but then brings up the subject of marriage,
he turns it into mathematical reasoning. Saying he loved her would
have required too much emotion, so he relies on math rather than
emotions to bring him closer to people.
schizophrenia is anxiety. When Nash yells at Alicia for turning on
the light and insists that she go to her sister's house because he saw
cars outside their apartment, he is showing anxiety. When he is
trying to teach a class but ends up running away because he sees two
black cars outside--cars that turn out to just have families in them,
he is also exhibiting anxiety. Another symptom of paranoid
schizophrenia is emotional distance. Nash has trouble communicating
with people, even those that he cares about. When he is late for
Alicia's birthday dinner but then brings up the subject of marriage,
he turns it into mathematical reasoning. Saying he loved her would
have required too much emotion, so he relies on math rather than
emotions to bring him closer to people.
Allen Mannheim
May 16, 2012, 10:27:56 PM5/16/12
to sperry-...@googlegroups.com
One subtle nod that the movie uses to point out Nash's schizophrenia,
is that when he meets his "roommate" Charles, one can plainly see that
there is only one bed in the room. This means that Charles as no where
to sleep therefore is not roommate of Nash's and also a hallucination.
Errors with Charles are also seen whenever Nash interacts with his
peers, Nash will be talking to Charles. But when Nash's real friends
appear, Charles disappears. This shows that Charles is a
hallucination, and that his subconscious knows it, so Charles leaves
when ever Nash is with other people.
is that when he meets his "roommate" Charles, one can plainly see that
there is only one bed in the room. This means that Charles as no where
to sleep therefore is not roommate of Nash's and also a hallucination.
Errors with Charles are also seen whenever Nash interacts with his
peers, Nash will be talking to Charles. But when Nash's real friends
appear, Charles disappears. This shows that Charles is a
hallucination, and that his subconscious knows it, so Charles leaves
when ever Nash is with other people.
emdo...@yahoo.com
May 17, 2012, 10:06:01 AM5/17/12
to Sperry AP Psych
In the movie, one of the treatments used to deal with Nash's
schizophrenia was shock therapy, or ECT. This is a very controversial
form of treatment, and is often only used on schizophrenics when other
forms of medication, such as therapy and antipsychotic drugs fail to
work. In the film, Nash receives both ECT and antipsychotic drugs, as
his therapy seems to prove fleeting. ECT is a very painful process to
undergo and watch, so when Nash's doctor says that he will need more
and stronger ECT, he reacts very defensively, promising to try and get
better.
schizophrenia was shock therapy, or ECT. This is a very controversial
form of treatment, and is often only used on schizophrenics when other
forms of medication, such as therapy and antipsychotic drugs fail to
work. In the film, Nash receives both ECT and antipsychotic drugs, as
his therapy seems to prove fleeting. ECT is a very painful process to
undergo and watch, so when Nash's doctor says that he will need more
and stronger ECT, he reacts very defensively, promising to try and get
better.
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