According to the DSM, OCD is characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive and unwanted, whereas compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.  (DSM-5-RT)

DSM Criteria met:

-       Presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both: The characters display clear obsessions (persistent thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors) that they feel driven to perform in response to an obsession.

-       The obsessions or compulsions are time-consuming or cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning: The film shows how these behaviors disrupt the characters' daily lives and interpersonal relationships.

DSM Criteria not met:

-       The individual attempts to ignore or suppress such thoughts, impulses, or images or to neutralize them with some other thought or action (i.e., by performing a compulsion): While the film shows compulsive behaviors, it may not delve deeply into the internal struggle individuals with OCD experience when trying to resist their compulsions or obsessions.

-       The obsessions or compulsions are not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance or another medical condition: The movie primarily focuses on the behavioral aspect of OCD without exploring potential underlying causes or distinguishing it clearly from other conditions.

The film does a good job of illustrating the diversity within OCD, showing that it can manifest in many different ways beyond the commonly stereotyped cleaning or checking behaviors. On the other hand, the comedic tone of the movie might lead to the trivialization of the disorder, not fully capturing the distress and significant impairment that OCD can cause in a person's life. The complexity of treatment and the struggle to manage the disorder might also be underrepresented.(DSM-5-RT)

"TOC TOC" brings several stereotypes about OCD. First, it shows OCD as quirky or humorous: While the film uses humor to engage the audience, this can perpetuate the idea that OCD is just about quirky habits or peculiarities, rather than a serious and often debilitating disorder. Il also displays that people with OCD only have visible, overt compulsions: By focusing on observable compulsions, it may neglect the significant component of OCD that is obsessional and not always visible to others. Finally, watching the movie could give the idea that OCD is not significantly debilitating: The comedic portrayal might lead some to underestimate the true impact of OCD on individuals’ lives, including their ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform daily tasks.

While "TOC TOC" succeeds in raising awareness about OCD and its various manifestations, viewers need to recognize the limitations of understanding a complex psychological disorder through comedy.

According to the DSM-5, anxiety disorders encompass a range of disorders characterized by excessive fear and anxiety, along with related behavioral disturbances. Fear is the emotional response to real or perceived imminent threat, whereas anxiety is anticipation of future threat. These feelings are disproportionate to the actual danger and cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Symptoms may include, restlessness, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. On the other hand, panic disorder is highlighted by recurrent unexpected panic attacks, which are abrupt surges of intense fear or discomfort reaching a peak within minutes, accompanied by physical and/or cognitive symptoms. (DSM-5-RT)

DSM criteria met:

-       Presence of Excessive Anxiety and Worry: The documentary highlights Fish's experiences with excessive worry and anxiety, particularly about his performance and health, which are central to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

-       Difficulty to Control the Worry: Fish's candid discussions about his mental health reveal his struggles to manage or control his anxiety, also a key aspect of GAD.

-       The Anxiety and Worry are Associated with Physical Symptoms: Fish describes symptoms that align with panic attacks, such as palpitations, sweating, trembling, and feelings of choking, which meet the DSM-5 criteria for panic disorder.

-       Significant Distress or Impairment: The documentary effectively shows how Fish's anxiety and panic attacks led to significant distress and impairment in his professional life, affecting his ability to compete at the highest levels of tennis.

DSM criteria not met:

-       While the documentary does an excellent job of highlighting key moments of Fish's struggles, it may not fully detail the duration and consistency of his symptoms to firmly establish a diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria, which requires certain symptoms to persist for specific periods.

-       Exclusion of Substance/Medical-Related Causes: The focus of "Untold: Breaking Point" is more on Fish's personal experiences and less on the comprehensive diagnostic process, which includes ruling out medical conditions or substance use that could contribute to or explain the anxiety and panic symptoms.

The documentary/movie portrays Mardy Fish's experiences with anxiety and panic attacks with a high degree of accuracy, primarily because it is a firsthand account of his struggles. It provides an in-depth look at how anxiety can impact an individual's life, especially in the high-pressure world of professional sports. It also sheds light on the challenges of seeking help and the stigma that athletes may face when dealing with mental health issues.

Rather than perpetuating stereotypes, it works to dismantle them, particularly the misconception that athletes are immune to mental health issues due to their physical prowess and success. It challenges the stigma around mental health in sports, showing that even top athletes can struggle with anxiety and panic attacks. The documentary also addresses the stereotype that talking about mental health is a sign of weakness, especially for men and athletes, by showing Fish's courage in sharing his story and seeking help.

I watched this documentary a long time ago, but I've seen it many times because it hits personal. As a tennis player, I always thought the pressure and nerves I felt weren't normal and I was frustrated by being so "mentally weak." After watching this film, I was able to understand that in sports, especially individual sports, mental strength is one of the most important and challenging things to achieve, and that the pressure is normal. I started to use my nerves to my advantage and I never miss an opportunity to recommend this documentary to both athletes and non-athletes.

The DSM-5 outlines several criteria for substance use disorders, focusing on a problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least two of the following, occurring within a 12-month period: impaired control, physical dependence, social problems, and risky use.

DSM Criteria Met:

-       Substance taken in larger amounts and for longer than intended: Rue often uses drugs more and for longer periods than she plans, indicating a loss of control over her drug use.

-       Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use: Rue makes several attempts to quit or control her drug use with the help of her family and friends but struggles to succeed.

-       Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the substance: Rue experiences intense cravings for drugs, which she describes and are shown through her actions (like lying to her family and walking late at night to her drug dealer house) and thoughts.

-       Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home: Rue's drug use affects her school performance, she often skips classes or go under the influence of drugs, and relationships with her family, like fighting with them and lying.

-       Continued substance uses despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of the substance: Rue continues to use drugs despite the problems it causes in her relationships and life in general.

-       Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of substance use: Rue's drug use leads her to withdraw from hobbies and lose interest in activities she once enjoyed, she stopped hanging with her friends and little sister.

DSM Criteria Not Met:

-       Recurrent substance uses in situations in which it is physically hazardous: The show does not specifically focus on Rue using substances in physically dangerous situations, though it's implied that her behavior is risky, they show overdose scene.

-       Withdrawal, as manifested by either the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance or the substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms: While Rue is shown experiencing withdrawal symptoms, the specific criteria for a withdrawal syndrome as defined by the DSM-5 are not detailed in the show.

Accuracy of Portrayal

"Euphoria" portrays the complexities of substance abuse disorder with depth, showing both the psychological and physical toll of addiction. It accurately depicts the cycle of addiction, including the challenges of relapse and recovery, and the impact on relationships and personal well-being. However, as a drama series, it might intensify certain aspects for narrative effect.

Stereotypes

While "Euphoria" breaks down many stereotypes by showing the human side of addiction, some criticisms suggest it could unintentionally reinforce certain stereotypes, such as the idea that trauma or underlying mental health issues are always the root cause of addiction. While this is true for many, addiction is a complex disease with multiple contributing factors, in the show they explained that Rue started doing “soft” drugs when her dad passed away and escalated to stronger ones with time.  The show also highlights the portrayal of the "troubled teen" trope, which might suggest that substance abuse is mainly a problem among certain types of teenagers, ignoring the broader societal and age-spanning nature of the issue.

"Euphoria" provides a compelling description of substance abuse disorder through Rue's journey, offering insights into the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction. However, like any fictional portrayal, and especially in drama, it has its limitations in fully representing the complexity.

DSM Criteria Met:

• Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day: The lyrics "Help, I have done it again" and "Hurt myself again today" suggest a persistent state of emotional pain and suffering.

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive, inappropriate guilt: The repetition of needing help and the admission of self-harm imply a deep-seated feeling of worthlessness or guilt.

• Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide: The overall tone of the song, especially the plea for someone to "be my friend, hold me, wrap me up, unfold me," hints at a cry for help and possibly suicidal thoughts.

DSM Criteria Not Met:

• Significant weight loss or weight gain, or decrease or increase in appetite: The song does not mention any symptoms related to changes in weight or appetite.

• Insomnia or hypersomnia: There's no explicit mention of sleep disturbances.

• Psychomotor agitation or retardation: The song doesn't describe any specific physical manifestations of depression such as restlessness or physical slowing down.

• Diminished ability to think or concentrate: While the song reflects a troubled mental state, it does not explicitly mention issues with concentration or decision-making.

Accuracy of Portrayal

"Breathe Me" accurately portrays the emotional and psychological disturbance associated with depression, especially the feelings of loneliness, despair, and the need for support and understanding. However, since it's an artistic expression, it focuses more on conveying the emotional depth of these experiences rather than detailing the clinical symptoms. Therefore, while it captures the essence of depression's impact on an individual's emotional state, it does not comprehensively cover all diagnostic criteria.

Stereotypes:

The song might inadvertently perpetuate the stereotype that depression is solely about feeling sad or wanting attention. The line "Be my friend, hold me" might be interpreted by some as reinforcing the misconception that depression can be easily resolved through simple acts of kindness or friendship, ignoring the complex nature of the disorder and the necessity for professional intervention in many cases. While social support is crucial for someone with depression, it is not the sole solution to managing the disorder.

Anorexia Nervosa, according to the DSM-5, is a disorder where a person doesn't eat enough food, leading to a weight that is much lower than what is considered healthy for their age and height. People with this disorder are very afraid of gaining weight and have a distorted view of their body size or shape, thinking they are overweight even when they are underweight. They may constantly weigh themselves, hardly eat, and exercise a lot. This disorder can cause serious health problems and affects both the body and the mind. (DSM-5-RT)

DSM Criteria met:

• Preoccupation with weight, body shape, and food: The characters in "Tiny Pretty Things" often express intense concern over their body image and diet.

• Restriction of energy intake leading to low body weight: The characters in the book show behaviors indicative of restricting caloric intake to achieve or maintain a lower body weight.

• Fear of gaining weight: The narrative presents characters who are significantly afraid of gaining weight or becoming fat, even tho they are described as underweight.

DSM Criteria not met:

• Recognition of the serious health consequences of low body weight: While the book may touch upon the characters' struggles, it might not fully delve into the depth of denial or lack of awareness about the severity of their condition.

• Disturbances in self-perception beyond body weight and shape: The book might not fully explore these self-perception disturbances.

Accuracy of Portrayal

The book captures the pressure and competition in ballet that can contribute to the development of eating disorders. It shows how these pressures can lead to harmful behaviors and attitudes toward food and body image. However, the depth of the psychological aspects and the complexity of recovery might not be fully explored. Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions that involve a range of physical, psychological, and social factors. While the book brings attention to the issue, a fictional representation might not fully capture the disorder's complexity or the individual variation in experiences.

Stereotypes

One stereotype that emerges from the portrayal is the idea that these disorders are primarily about vanity or a superficial desire to be thin. This oversimplification ignores the complex psychological, biological, and social factors that contribute to eating disorders. Also, the setting of a ballet school might reinforce the stereotype that eating disorders predominantly affect wealthy, young, white females in certain professions, it's important to recognize that these conditions can affect individuals regardless of their background, age, gender, or profession.