The Misconception of Amplified Female Individuality as Mental Illness Dennis Odhiambo College

It is no new exposé the disconcerting truths in the history of women in which the facets of female identity have been subject to mental disorder diagnoses that otherwise do not apply to their male counterparts. Particularly in the 20th century, more mental illnesses were diagnosed in women due to certain elements of female individuality that did not align with societal perceptions. In the film Girl, Interrupted, the theme of mental illness in young women is explored through the protagonist Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder) and fellow admitted girls in the mental institution. Chronicling her experiences in the psychiatric hospital in the 1960s after being diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPB). In the film, the symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder are addressed as self-damaging impulsions and depicted mostly around female-related symptoms such as promiscuity, compulsive shoplifting, shopping, and binge-eating. In women, compulsive promiscuity such as in the case of Lisa Rowe and also to some extent the protagonist Susanna, was considered a symptom of mental disorder whilst in males otherwise would be regarded as an admirable quality. The quick diagnosis was mostly attributed to the patriarchal lack of...