Psychological Disorders in The Talented Mr. Ripley - Movie Review Example

Dickie continuously has other sexual relations behind his girlfriends back and shows no remorse for it. He is so charming that he has no problem talking himself out of any problem. Discrepancies and any shortcomings he may have been hidden under a façade of unrestrained adventurism and nonchalance. Although he has an endless supply of his father’s money, he selfishly refuses to lend any money to his lover who urgently needs it to have an abortion. He additionally cannot accept responsibility for her death when she commits suicide after the fact.

Individuals suffering from a narcissistic personality disorder can be effectively treated through individual cognitive-behavioral therapy over a long period of time. The goal or outcome of the treatment is usually to modify distorted thoughts while creating a realistic self-image. It is worth noting that successful treatment is usually hindered by the individual’s unwillingness to admit that they suffer from the disorder (APA). Psychopaths intellectualize and rationalize their behavior in a manner that shows dysfunction of conscience.

They show no remorse for defrauding and hurting others. They are unable to adapt to societal norms and are usually unable to truly find their true identity. They tend to take up the identities of those that they admire or of people they would want to be. Tom Ripley is the perfect example of a psychopath whose main desire is to belong to a higher social class. He passes himself off as a Princeton graduate by wearing a blazer with the Princeton crest on the pocket. He fools Mr. Greenleaf into believing that he knows Dickie and is given an offer to travel to Italy to retrieve him.

His psychopathic tendencies are revealed when he embarks upon a study of Dickie Greenleaf’s personality, habits, hobbies, and biography. He slowly assumes Dickie’s identity. After killing him, he proceeds to take on his identity by assuming his name, wearing his clothes, and cashing his checks. Even in the face of being caught by the police, he cannot control his impulses to take on the identity of Greenleaf Junior. He is so obsessed with keeping up with his new identity he does not hesitate to kill Freddie Miles, one of Greenleaf junior’s close friends after he suspects foul play.

Psychopathy is reportedly one of the most difficult personality disorders to be treated. Research findings on the treatability of psychopathy have not yet been conclusive and findings have been conflicting. There are no medications to treat the condition but there are some medications that can take care of some of the related symptoms. Impulsivity connected with the disorder can be treated by antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants (APA).