- What Is A Character Disorder?
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I’m doing some research on the book ‘Girl, Interrupted’ by Susanna Kaysen. One of the topics that I need to cover in my report is “Character Disorders,” since this is what the girl was plagued with in the book. I would really appreciate it if you could supply some information for me on this specific topic, or at least a good place to look.
Thank you very much for your time.
PS- If you know anything about McLean Hospital, please let me in on what you know.
ANSWER:
Surprisingly character disorder is not a specific diagnosis, nor is it discussed in the major psychiatric texts or DSM.
What it means is that the person deliberately lies, cheats, steals, etc. when they are rational (and not psychotic) and when better choices are available. When personality traits such as reliability, remorse, dependability, honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness are absent the individual is felt to have a disorder involving their character.
Im not sure where to look for any specific information beyond that. Part of the reason borderlines have difficulty getting care is that those with both a character disorder and the BPD are so difficult to manage and tend to get involved with psychiatric hospitals and the legal system.
McLean Hospital in Massachusetts is a very famous hospital with an excellent reputation.
