#bluths

This is stupid but here I go lmao

(NOTE: Fictional Diagnosis delves into the minds of fictional characters. The diagnoses given are a way to learn more about psychological disorders and give an individual viewpoint of made-up people. The intention of these blogs is in no way to belittle or mock the severity and real consequences of these disorders, but to simply provide a unique way of learning about diagnostics and the DSM-5. People cannot truly be diagnosed unless they are working directly with a clinician. What follows is merely the opinion of a bored masters of psychology student who watches too much TV)

As self-centered as she is insecure, Lindsay Bluth Funke made us laugh along with the rest of her clueless family on Arrested Development. Her dramatic and selfish nature seems almost normal compared to the rest of the Bluth’s and can easily be played off as simple eccentricity seen among the rich. But as many of us in the mental health field know, “eccentric” is a term reserved for the wealthy frequently to cover up some genuine mental health concerns. As with everyone else I’ve discussed so far, Lindsay is a fictional character, but that doesn’t mean she does not fit some pretty clear criteria for a mental health disorder.

When diagnosing an individual we must always look at several factors. The first is to consider her symptoms. She is grandiose, dramatic, self-centered, easily annoyed, and rarely finishes projects, and seems to have low self-esteem despite her societal position (she is considered classically beautiful, but is wary flirting with men and has even said she “can’t even sell this” referring to herself) Once symptoms are discovered, they need to be evaluated. A good way to remember to do this is the abbreviation FIDO: Frequency (do you always have these symptoms, usually, or rarely?), Intensity (is it severe, mild or moderate?), Duration (do the symptoms last hours, days, or consistently?), and Onset (when did the symptoms start?).

These symptoms for Lindsay seem to be consistent. They are not episodic as she seems to always be this way. Though Lindsay does have moments of clarity, shame, and guilt, these feelings rarely last long and never lead to any monumental change. Her symptoms are fairly intense, with her self-centeredness going so far she frequently forgets the existence of her own daughter. The duration, going along with frequency, are consistent. And the onset is difficult to say, but we do know that she has acted this way throughout her adult life.

With this in mind it is likely Lindsay is experiencing a personality disorder. With personality disorders, episodes do not exist, the symptoms are ingrained in the person (though that does not mean they are untreatable or unworkable!). With the intensity of symptoms, their emotional nature, and the lack of psychopathic/aggressive tendencies, three potential disorders stick out: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), and Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD). BPD can be ruled out when you consider that this disorder is characterized by intense reactions to interpersonal relationships. Lindsay’s interest in other people is more strongly related to her need to be appreciated, not due to any real perceived connections, nor genuine fear of losing any. And though she can get emotional, she rarely really gets explosive during arguments or over insults (except for when it’s coming from Lucille).

The next disorder we can rule out here is NPD, the features of which are below, and five symptoms must be met:

Has a grandiose sense of self-importance.

Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.

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).

Requires excessive admiration.

Has a sense of entitlement.

Is interpersonally exploitative.

Lacks empathy.

Is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her.

Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.

Though Lindsay clearly has enough symptoms to reach the criteria (except perhaps being interpersonally exploitative). However, much like with my previous example with Dennis Reynolds, there is a disorder that just fits better, and that is histrionic personality disorder. The criteria for these disorders are very similar, and like NPD at least five requirements must be met:

Is uncomfortable in situations where they are not the center of attention

Interaction with others often involves inappropriately sexual or provocative behavior

Displays rapidly shifting and shallow emotions

Uses physical appearance to draw attention to themselves

Has a style of speech that is excessively impressionistic and lacks detail

Shows self-dramatization, theatricality, and exaggerated expression of emotion

Is suggestable (easily influenced, gullible)

Considers relationships to be more than they are

It is easy to see how Lindsay falls into all of these. She loves to be the center of attention. Her visit to see her father in prison demonstrated that well, not to mention her inappropriately sexual behavior and using her physical appearance to draw attention to herself. With her constant change of “causes” she cares for we can see her being easily suggestable (pro-fur, anti-fur, pro-gun, anti-gun, etc.) When she discusses her passion for these causes she is excessively impressionistic and lacks detail. Lindsay frequently has rapidly changing emotions to situations, and neatly fits into the self-dramatization box. As for the final criterion, “considers relationships to be more than they are,” we need look no further than ICE the bounty hunter and their adventurous non-relationship.

George Michael: What happened?