Anxiety Disorders
As Good As It Gets
Psych Disorders
Mr. Aiello
As Good As It Gets
Melvin Udall, a successful author, is a misogynistic, homophobic, anti-Semitic racist with an intense
dislike of people and dogs. All the neighbors in his Greenwich Village apartment building avoid him.
Part I. Review/Synopsis of Movie
In as few words as possible (3 paragraphs at most), describe the major characters and plot points of
the film. I have seen the movie, so I am just looking to see what you believe to be the main events
and ideas of the film. Focus your descriptions on the character(s) who obviously have any
psychological disorders (Melvin Udall) and how the other principals interact with him.
Part II. Diagnosis and Multiaxial Diagnosis Form
According to the DSM-IV-TR, people with OCD suffer from recurrent obsessions and/or
compulsions. Obsessions are defined as "persistent ideas, thoughts, impulses, or images that are
experienced as intrusive and inappropriate and that cause marked anxiety or distress" (Criterion A.1),
which are difficult to dismiss, despite their disturbing nature. These experiences are more intrusive
than excessive worries about real-life problems, and they are unlikely to be related to these kinds of
problems. (Criterion A.2). Persons who suffer from OCD try to ignore, suppress or neutralize their
obsessions with some other thought or action (Criterion A.3) and recognize that they are a product of
their own mind (Criterion A.4).
As part II of this assignment, complete the Multiaxial Diagnosis Form (without the code numbers) as
well as you can for Melvin at the beginning of the movie.
Part III. IN DETAIL describe Melvin Udall’s thought and behavior patterns that coincide with
the DSM-IV.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors such as excessive or unreasonable cleaning, checking a stove or
locks on doors, hand washing, requesting assurances, or mental acts, such as repeating certain words
silently, counting, or praying excessively. (Criterion A.1) These behaviors either serve as coping
mechanisms to reduce the discomfort with the anxiety or distress caused by the obsessive thoughts
temporarily, or - unrelated to an obsession - they are performed according to rules that must be
applied rigidly. In the majority of cases these actions are designed to prevent some dreaded event or
situation. However, in other cases there is no obvious logical connection between the two (both cases
make up Criterion A.2)
Part IV. Treatment Options
For the following, choose two to explain in detail how you (as a psychologist) could try to treat
Melvin. It’s understood that you may not fully know these terms, this is a practice exercise, try your
best to answer these from what you have read and think the terms mean.
Exposure and Response Prevention (systematic desensitization, flooding)
Cognitive-Behavior Therapy
Techniques that Teach Clients how to Work with Obsessions
Relaxation and Body-focused Approaches
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Approaches that Help Clients to Access Underlying Feelings (insight therapies)