ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

PAPER OUTPUT #1
By: Irinco, Leona Marie

It's Okay to Not Be Okay

(Foreign Series)

It is a 2020 South Korean television series written by Jo Yong and directed by Park Shin-woo. The
series follows Moon Gang Tae, a caregiver in a psychiatric ward and his older brother, Moon Sang
Tae who is autistic. Ever since their mother got murdered they move from town to town. He
encounters Ko Moon-young, a renowned children's book writer rumored to have antisocial
personality disorder while working.

Circumstances lead Gang-tae to take a job at the OK Psychiatric Hospital in the fictional Seongjin
City, the same place from their childhood. Simultaneously, Moon-young develops a romantic fixation
on Gang-tae upon discovering their shared past. She follows him to Seongjin, and as the trio,
including Sang-tae, comes together, they slowly mend each other's emotional wounds. Uncovering
numerous secrets, finding solace in one another, they progress towards healing and moving forward
in their lives.

The three main characters have specifically shown signs of abnormal behavior and even have
been clinically diagnosed in the series.

Ko Moon-Young

What abnormal behaviors did you observe of

the different characters in the movie?

- There have been numerous circumstances

where she displayed lack of guilt and
empathy towards other people, as well as
lacking control of her anger. She is arrogant,
rude and selfish which causes the other characters to be wary of her. Furthermore,
she tends to be a manipulative narcissist that does not care about the rules and laws.
In addition to this, Ko Moon-Young often acts on her own, disregarding what other
people and the society may think.

Based on these abnormal behaviors, what mental disorders the characters maybe suffering?

- Although it is confirmed in the series that she is suffering from Antisocial Personality
Disorder, Ko Moon-Young’s symptoms overlap with Narcissistic personality disorder.
Grandiose Narcissism specifically as she displays symptoms such as a sense of
entitlement, manipulative behavior, lack of empathy and arrogance.

How were these characters in other areas of functioning such as school, work, interpersonal
relationships and daily living skills?

- Moon-Young struggles connecting with others and maintaining relationships.

Guarded and seen as stoic, people often distance themselves as well as fear her for
her deviation and lack of empathy. Her uncontrollable anger and occasionally
unreasonable irritation also adds to why people dislike her. Moon-Young has also

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 been shown to hurt people physically without showing remorse or guilt, even smiling
after doing so. It is as if other people’s suffering entertains her.
- During her romantic fixation on Gang Tae, she was persistent and was even violating
his space and rights, borderline forcing herself on Gang Tae. Moon-Young has also
stated that when she sees something she wants, she needs to take it even if she
needs to pay, steal or take it by force.
- Lastly, she is often seen wearing grand outfits, making her stand out from the crowd.
A psychiatrist character pointed out that she uses clothes to protect herself as if it
was armor to mask her vulnerability.

Moon Gang Tae

What abnormal behaviors did you

observe of the different characters in the
movie?

- In the initial five episodes, Gang Tae is

restlessly calm, prioritizing his brother
Sang Tae despite harboring resentment.
His dreams reveal feelings of neglect
from his mother, who favored Sang Tae. Resentment arises as Sang Tae can't recall
their mother's murderer. Despite frustration, Gang Tae tends to Sang Tae's needs,
suppressing his emotions.The trauma of his mother's murder hinders his return to
their hometown. Gang Tae struggles to assess his emotions, primarily due to his
dedication to his brother. This difficulty in addressing his emotions and prioritizing his
brother makes it challenging for Gang Tae to maintain relationships and engage in
social situations.

Based on these abnormal behaviors, what mental disorders the characters maybe suffering?

- Given Gang Tae's recurrent dreams about his mother, resentment towards his
brother, difficulty processing emotions, and hesitation to return home, he exhibits
characteristics consistent with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He shows four
out of six symptoms and displays alexithymia. Additionally, his challenges with

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 emotions and social situations have associations with conditions like PTSD, eating
disorders, and may also be linked to autism, a condition his brother has.

How were these characters in other areas of functioning such as school, work, interpersonal
relationships and daily living skills?

- Gang Tae is a highly functional and reliable individual within his professional and familial
spheres, showcasing a steadfast commitment to caring for his brother, Sang Tae. Despite his
competence, his transient lifestyle, moving from town to town with Sang Tae, impedes the
formation of meaningful relationships. His long standing friend, Jaesu, follows him faithfully,
yet aside from his brother and Jaesu, Gang Tae maintains a guarded demeanor, building
emotional barriers. Focused solely on providing for Sang Tae, Gang Tae conceals his
complex emotions, avoiding confusion for his brother. Occasionally burdened by his
responsibilities, he harbors a deep-seated desire to metaphorically release his "safety pin" —
to break free from obligations, explore personal desires, and embark on a journey of
self-discovery.

Moon Sang Tae

What abnormal behaviors did you observe

of the different characters in the movie?

- Sang Tae displays discomfort during

communication. He often avoids eye
contact, glancing at someone he is talking
to occasionally and stutters most of the
time. Sang Tae also has a habit of repeating
words and phrases he has heard from the
people around him and the media he
consumes. Furthermore, the character shows passion for dinosaurs, author Ko Moon
Young and her stories. Aside from these, his brother has stated that Sang Tae has
trouble reading facial expressions as well as having an unusual mood and behavior.
Following his mother’s death, Sang Tae developed a fear for butterflies claiming that
the butterflies followed him and would kill him just like how they killed their mother.
This made Sang Tae wary of going back to their hometown and experiences

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 nightmares about the murder of his mother. Mention of butterflies and his mother’s
death causes him to panic and lock himself up in a small area and constantly refuse
to go out until he feels better.

Based on these abnormal behaviors, what mental disorders the characters maybe suffering?

- Sang Tae, confirmed to have Autism Spectrum Disorder, exhibits additional

symptoms indicative of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His intense fear of
butterflies, linked to his mother's death, and reluctance to revisit their hometown
suggest trauma-related responses. These behaviors, coupled with nightmares and
panic attacks triggered by references to his mother's murder, align with PTSD,
highlighting the complex challenges he faces.

How were these characters in other areas of functioning such as school, work, interpersonal
relationships and daily living skills?

- Sang Tae faces challenges in connecting with others due to his condition, leading to isolation
and perceived liability. Despite his brother's support, he expresses a desire for
independence, aiming to prove himself beyond his condition. He struggles with accepting his
brother's autonomy, evident in his displeasure when Moon Young expresses affection for
Gang Tae. Sang Tae's difficulty in reading facial expressions causes guilt and distress, while
his trauma-related symptoms contribute to persistent fear for his and his brother's safety,
adding layers to his complex emotional journey.

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Attack on Titan
(Foreign Series)

"Attack on Titan," a manga and anime series by Hajime Isayama, unfolds in a world where
humanity resides in massive walled cities to shield themselves from Titans, giant humanoid
creatures. The plot follows Eren Yeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert, who witness their city's
destruction and Eren's mother's death by Titans. Motivated by revenge, Eren joins the military,
discovering a mysterious power that can transform individuals into Titans. The narrative unveils
political intrigue, conspiracies, and Titan origins, delving into themes of war, freedom, and the
repercussions of seeking vengeance. Praised for its gripping action, intricate characters, and
unexpected twists, the series has garnered acclaim.

Given the post-apocalyptic world they live in, almost every character suffers from trauma, anxiety
and depression but Reiner Braun, Levi Ackerman and Erwin Smith display different symptoms from
the rest.

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 Reiner Braun

What abnormal behaviors did you observe of the different

characters in the movie?

- Reiner's symptoms first surfaced in the 9th episode of

Attack on Titan Season 2. Forced to feed Marco to Titans
to conceal their identity, he exhibited confusion and
distress. As their true identities were revealed and they
kidnapped Eren, Reiner's symptoms escalated. During a
break, he began talking like a genuine soldier, alarming
Eren and Ymir. Berthold, as if he was used to Reiner acting like he did , prompted a
reminder and triggered a traumatic flashback of Marco. Back in Marley, he
experienced recurring flashbacks of infiltration and the Survey Corps. Reaching a
breaking point, Reiner contemplated suicide with a shotgun, overwhelmed by guilt as
the Armored Titan.

Based on these abnormal behaviors, what mental disorders the characters maybe suffering?

- Reiner's exhibited symptoms suggest a potential diagnosis of Dissociative Identity Disorder

(DID) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). His dissociative symptoms are evident when
he watches his comrade Marco being eaten, questioning the act as if detached from reality
and the sudden change in personality during the break is indicative of dissociation from his
true self. The confusion about Eren's anger and forgetting his enemy status implies cognitive
dissonance, a common feature in DID. The flashback to Marco's death upon remembering
his true identity further supports the dissociative nature of his mental state. When faced with
guilt and trauma from his warrior experiences, his soldier identity serves as a defense
mechanism, allowing him to distance himself from emotional pain and continue functioning.

Reiner's recurring flashbacks of his warrior comrades and the Survey Corps after returning
to Marley are indicative of persistent distress, aligning with the criteria for Major Depressive
Disorder. These traumatic memories contribute to his emotional turmoil, leading to a
breaking point where he contemplates suicide, a severe symptom of Major Depressive
Disorder. In summary, Reiner's experiences, including dissociative episodes, memory gaps,

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 and depressive symptoms, strongly suggest a dual diagnosis of Dissociative Identity
Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder.

How were these characters in other areas of functioning such as school, work, interpersonal
relationships and daily living skills?

- Reiner's overwhelming guilt leaves him unable to find purpose in life or as a warrior for
Marley. This inner turmoil affects his focus in battles, leading to hasty decisions. Confronting
Eren upon returning home intensifies his breakdown, prompting him to plead for death to
alleviate the guilt stemming from betraying Paradis comrades and failing to save Bertholdt
and Annie.

Levi Ackerman

What abnormal behaviors did you observe of the different

characters in the movie?

- Levi's meticulous cleanliness, established in the

No Regrets OVA, becomes a defining trait. Living in the
underground slums, he obsessively cleans his
surroundings. Joining the Survey Corps, this habit
extends to battle preparations, as he carries a towel to
maintain his ODM gear and swords. At temporary headquarters, Levi enforces strict
cleaning, scolding those who neglect it, often wearing aprons, gloves, and masks.Post-battle,
his immediate concern is wiping away the dirt and titan blood, highlighting his unwavering
commitment to cleanliness amid the chaos of warfare.

Based on these abnormal behaviors, what mental disorders the characters maybe suffering?

- Levi's behavior, as depicted in the No Regrets OVA, suggests the presence of

Cleaning/Contamination Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Levi's obsessive need for
cleanliness is evident in his constant cleaning of his surroundings, his gear, and even
enforcing cleanliness in his team. The mention of him always wiping things that he touches
implies a persistent concern about contamination or dirt. Moreover, Levi's compulsive
behaviors include carrying a towel for constant wiping during battles, enforcing strict cleaning
measures at temporary headquarters, and immediately wiping off dirt and titan blood

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 post-battle. These actions serve as a way for him to cope with the anxiety associated with his
obsession with cleanliness.

How were these characters in other areas of functioning such as school, work, interpersonal
relationships and daily living skills?

- Levi's obsession with cleanliness appears to go beyond what is necessary for hygiene, as it
affects various aspects of his life, from living conditions to battle preparations and team
management. The extent to which he goes to maintain cleanliness suggests a significant
impact on his daily functioning.

Erwin Smith

What abnormal behaviors did you observe of the different

characters in the movie?

- Erwin Smith's unwavering focus on mission success often

overshadows concern for his soldiers. This trait is evident in
critical situations, such as when bitten by a titan during the
mission to retrieve Eren. Instead of prioritizing his own safety,
Erwin prioritizes the mission, commanding the regiment to
leave him and continue with the objective. This dedication
results in the loss of his arm.

Another poignant example occurs in the Shiganshina battle. Faced with the Beast Titan, Erwin,
realizing the dire circumstances, convinces his troops to charge, creating a diversion for Levi.
Despite the inevitable sacrifice, Erwin prioritizes the mission's success over the lives of his soldiers.
This decision, ultimately costing him his life, exemplifies Erwin's tendency to make tough choices for
the greater mission, even at the expense of those under his command.

Additionally, Erwin displays a unique set of reactions that can be deemed peculiar. Notably, he tends
to exhibit laughter in the face of dire situations, maintains a surprising calmness in moments that
typically trigger a fight or flight response, and often adopts a cynical demeanor. These distinctive
responses contribute to an intriguing and somewhat unconventional aspect of his character.

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Based on these abnormal behaviors, what mental disorders the characters maybe suffering?

- Based on the information provided, Erwin Smith's behavior could be indicative of certain
traits associated with obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD).

How were these characters in other areas of functioning such as school, work, interpersonal
relationships and daily living skills?

- Erwin Smith's intense dedication to his role as the Commander of the Survey Corps, coupled
with the burden of knowing the truth beyond the walls, has indeed taken a toll on his mental
well-being. The repeated necessity to sacrifice his closest friends and comrades for the sake
of the mission has created a profound sense of guilt and remorse within him.

During the Battle of Shiganshina, this psychological burden becomes even more apparent.
Erwin, in the midst of the chaos, reflects on the sacrifices made by his soldiers. The weight of
their lives lost in the pursuit of the mission becomes a haunting presence, and he
acknowledges the battlefield as a grim testament to the sacrifices of those who fought under
his command. This realization adds to his emotional distress and intensifies the guilt he
carries.

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Fan girl
(Local Movie)

"Fan Girl," a 2020 coming-of-age drama directed by Antoinette Jadaone, follows Jane (Charlie
Dizon), a high school student and ardent fan of popular actor Paulo Avelino, who plays himself in the
film. Jane's deep infatuation with Paulo Avelino, a renowned actor and half of the country's beloved
love team, prompts her to clandestinely hide in the back of his pickup truck. This impulsive act lands
her at Paulo Avelino's house in an unfamiliar location. As the story progresses, Jane's idealized
image of Paulo Avelino is challenged as she discovers a different side of him. The film delves into
the themes of celebrity adoration, the contrast between public and private personas, and the
repercussions of idolizing someone without truly understanding them.

Jane

What abnormal behaviors did you observe of the different

characters in the movie?

In the film, Jane, the fangirl exhibits different abnormal

behaviors such as;

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 - Jane's abnormal behaviors in "FanGirl" include stowing away in Paulo Avelino's truck without
consent, a clear violation of privacy showing extreme celebrity obsession. Her intense
idealization of Paulo, refusing to acknowledge flaws, leads to eventual disillusionment. Using
her obsession as escapism from real-life challenges, it interferes significantly with daily life
and relationships. Risk-taking behavior, seen in hiding in Avelino's truck, is dangerous. Jane
struggles to differentiate between Avelino's public persona and private life, contributing to her
disillusionment. Her unstable emotional state and extreme reactions suggest her obsession
serves as a maladaptive coping mechanism.

Based on these abnormal behaviors, what mental disorders the characters maybe suffering?

- Jane's behaviors suggest that she has both Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with
forbidden thoughts or actions, and depressive symptoms. Her intense fixation on Paulo
Avelino, coupled with idealization and risky behaviors, hints at obsessive-compulsive
features, especially considering the repetitive nature of her actions tied to her obsession.

Moreover, Jane's tendency to use escapism, her dissatisfaction with her life, and emotional
instability can be proof of depressive symptoms. Her extreme emotional reactions, such as
extreme delusions, could be due to deeper emotional struggles that are associated with
depressive disorders.

How were these characters in other areas of functioning such as school, work, interpersonal
relationships and daily living skills?

- Jane's intense focus on the actor shows impact on her interpersonal relationships. Her
strained relationship with her mother and her lover leaving her due to her fanatical behavior
indicate challenges in maintaining healthy connections.

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Kalel, 15
(Local Movie)

This film tackles various pressing issues simultaneously, including the stigma
surrounding HIV, the casual attitude of Filipino youth towards sex, the complex dynamics of
growing up with a troubled parent, and the presence of a Christian double moral standard.
Kalel, a Catholic teenager, keeps the secret that his father is a priest confined to only his
mother and sister. In his quest for love and recognition, he takes risks by connecting with
strangers online, leading to an eventual HIV diagnosis.

When Kalel's mother leaves with her undisclosed lover, he finds himself in the care of
his sister and her boyfriend, who struggles with drug addiction. The situation worsens as
they get evicted, prompting Kalel to turn to his father for help. However, being 15 years old,
Kalel chooses to spend the rent money he receives on other things, adding complexity to
his already challenging circumstances. The film intricately weaves together these themes,
exploring the intricate dynamics of family, societal expectations, and the consequences of
one's actions.

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 Kalel

What abnormal behaviors did you observe of the different

characters in the movie?

- In solitude, Kalel frequently drifts into a daze,

distancing himself from family members and even a
potential girlfriend, displaying a dismissive attitude
towards their concerns. Growing up in poverty within a
dysfunctional family has left its mark on him, pushing
Kalel to seek solace in the company of friends and a party lifestyle.

The story takes a darker turn when Kalel discovers he has HIV. Faced with the harsh reality
of his health, he turns to drugs as a means of escape, exacerbating his already challenging
life situation. As the story unfolds, Kalel's condition worsens, mirroring the deterioration of his
overall well-being.

In moments of extreme stress, Kalel experiences dissociation, marked by unsettling

blackouts and a persistent ringing in his ears. His struggles extend beyond internal battles,
manifesting in confrontations with his sister's boyfriend and close friend. During these
clashes, Kalel's frustration boils over into verbal abuse and physical aggression, further
highlighting the destructive path his life has taken.

Based on these abnormal behaviors, what mental disorders the characters maybe suffering?

- Kalel could be suffering from four different disorders;

1. Depression due to dazing off and being closed off, dismissive attitude towards family
and a potential girlfriend, escaping through partying and drug use and worsening life
situation and overall condition.
2. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) due to being raised in poverty and a
dysfunctional family and disassociation, blackouts, and ringing in the ears during
times of stress.
3. Impulse Control Control Disorder due to physical aggression and confrontations
during conflicts.

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 4. Possible Psychosis or Dissociative Disorders due to blackouts and dissociation
during stressful periods.

How were these characters in other areas of functioning such as school, work, interpersonal
relationships and daily living skills?
- Kalel's home life is marked by a brooding silence, punctuated only by heated arguments and
curses directed at his sister and mother. In contrast, his interactions with friends reveal a
more open and vulnerable side, where they engage in smoking, partying, and drug use
together. Despite the chaotic externalities, Kalel exercises restraint with Sue, fearing he
might transmit his HIV, refraining from engaging in sexual activities with her. This divergence
in behavior underscores the complex dynamics that shape Kalel's relationships, reflecting
both his internal struggles and external efforts to protect those he cares about.
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