Mental disorders in art and literature
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Works of
fiction Fiction is any creative work, chiefly any narrative work, portraying individuals, events, or places that are imaginary, or in ways that are imaginary. Fictional portrayals are thus inconsistent with history, fact, or plausibility. In a traditi ...
dealing with
mental illness A mental disorder, also referred to as a mental illness or psychiatric disorder, is a behavioral or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning. Such features may be persistent, relapsing and remitti ...
include:


In Children's Books

* ''
The Tale of Samuel Whiskers or The Roly-Poly Pudding ''The Tale of Samuel Whiskers or The Roly-Poly Pudding'' is a children's book written and illustrated by Beatrix Potter and first published by Frederick Warne & Co. in October 1908 as ''The Roly-Poly Pudding''. In 1926, it was re-published as '' ...
'', 1908 children's book by Beatrix Potter. Tom Kitten comes out of his ordeal with a crippling phobia of rats, and possible posttraumatic stress disorder as well.


In Young Adult Novels

* '' Lisa, Bright and Dark'', 1968 novel by John Neufeld. A story about a teenager's descent into madness. * '' The Underground'', 1998 science fiction book by
K. A. Applegate Katherine Alice Applegate (born October 9, 1956), known professionally as K. A. Applegate or Katherine Applegate, is an American young adult and children's fiction writer, best known as the author of the ''Animorphs'', '' Remnants'', ''Everworld ...
. A form of oatmeal is found to drive
extraterrestrial Extraterrestrial refers to any object or being beyond ( extra-) the planet Earth ( terrestrial). It is derived from the Latin words ''extra'' ("outside", "outwards") and ''terrestris'' ("earthly", "of or relating to the Earth"). It may be abbrevia ...
body-snatchers insane. * ''
Thirteen Reasons Why ''Thirteen Reasons Why'' (stylized as ''TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY'') is a young adult novel written by Jay Asher in 2007, that follows the story of Hannah Baker, a high school freshman, and the thirteen reasons why she kills herself. Following her de ...
'', 2007 novel by Jay Asher. About a teenage girl who is suffering from depression which results in suicide. Many other characters are also suffering from mental illnesses including bipolar, anxiety, PTSD, and also depression. * ''Saint Jude'', 2011 novel by Dawn Wilson. Suffering from manic-depressive illness, Taylor spends her senior year of high school at a place called Saint Jude's—essentially a group home for teenagers with mental illnesses. *''Freaks Like Us'', 2012 young adult novel by Susan Vaught. The reader is taken on a suspenseful adventure through the mind of a schizophrenic teenage boy. *''
Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock ''Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock'' is a novel written by Matthew Quick about a 17-year-old high school senior named Leonard Peacock who plans to shoot Asher Beal, his former best friend, and then subsequently kill himself, on his birthday. Film ...
'', 2013 novel by Matthew Quick.


In Mainstream Literature

*'' Ajax'', circa 450 – 430 BC; tragedy by Sophocles * '' Heracles'', 416 BC tragedy by Euripides and ''Hercules Furens'', c. AD 40–60 tragedy by Seneca the Younger, both of which cover
Hera In ancient Greek religion, Hera (; grc-gre, Ἥρα, Hḗrā; grc, Ἥρη, Hḗrē, label=none in Ionic and Homeric Greek) is the goddess of marriage, women and family, and the protector of women during childbirth. In Greek mythology, she ...
filling Hercules with a homicidal madness. * ''
Orlando Furioso ''Orlando furioso'' (; ''The Frenzy of Orlando'', more loosely ''Raging Roland'') is an Italian epic poem by Ludovico Ariosto which has exerted a wide influence on later culture. The earliest version appeared in 1516, although the poem was no ...
'', 1516-1532; epic poem by
Ludovico Ariosto Ludovico Ariosto (; 8 September 1474 – 6 July 1533) was an Italian poet. He is best known as the author of the romance epic ''Orlando Furioso'' (1516). The poem, a continuation of Matteo Maria Boiardo's ''Orlando Innamorato'', describes the ...
, tells the story of Orlando, Charlemagne's most famous paladin, who goes mad upon learning that Angelica, the woman he is in love with, has run away with a Saracen knight. Filled with despair, Orlando travel through Europe and Africa destroying everything in his path. The English knight Astolfo flies up in a flaming chariot to the Moon, where everything lost on Earth is to be found, including Orlando's wits. He brings them back in a bottle and makes Orlando sniff them, thus restoring him to sanity. (At the same time Orlando falls out of love with Angelica, as the author explains that love is itself a form of insanity.) * '' Hamlet'', circa 1600; tragedy by William Shakespeare * '' Don Quixote'', 1605/1615; two-volume novel by Miguel de Cervantes, involves a man whose worldview is informed by fictional works, especially of chivalric exploits. Because of his refusal to conform to social conventions, he is perceived as mad by his contemporaries, without further evidence of a mental defect or illness. * '' The Sorrows of Young Werther'', 1774 epistolary novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe * '' Faust I'', 1808 tragedy by Goethe. The collision of a natural love-desire with her conscience and with the norms of the society around her evokes radical inner conflicts for the female hero Margarete. * '' Mandeville'', 1817 novel by
William Godwin William Godwin (3 March 1756 – 7 April 1836) was an English journalist, political philosopher and novelist. He is considered one of the first exponents of utilitarianism and the first modern proponent of anarchism. Godwin is most famous for ...
. A chilling tale of madness that takes place during the English Civil War. * '' The Bride of Lammermoor'', 1819 historical novel by Sir Walter Scott. Lucy's mind snaps when she's made to jilt the man she loves and marry someone else. * '' Diary of a Madman'', 1835 farcical short story by
Nikolai Gogol Nikolai Vasilyevich Gogol; uk, link=no, Мико́ла Васи́льович Го́голь, translit=Mykola Vasyliovych Hohol; (russian: Яновский; uk, Яновський, translit=Yanovskyi) ( – ) was a Russian novelist, ...
* ''
Lenz Lenz may refer to: Places * Lenasia, Gauteng Province, South Africa, a township often called Lenz * Lantsch/Lenz, Canton of Grisons, Switzerland, a municipality * Lenz, Hood River County, Oregon, an unincorporated community * Lenz, Klamath County, ...
'', 1836 novella fragment by Georg Büchner depicting the unfolding of mental disorder with the German poet Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz * ''
The Count of Monte Cristo ''The Count of Monte Cristo'' (french: Le Comte de Monte-Cristo) is an adventure novel written by French author Alexandre Dumas (''père'') completed in 1844. It is one of the author's more popular works, along with ''The Three Musketeers''. Li ...
'': 1844 novel by
Alexandre Dumas Alexandre Dumas (, ; ; born Dumas Davy de la Pailleterie (), 24 July 1802 – 5 December 1870), also known as Alexandre Dumas père (where '' '' is French for 'father', to distinguish him from his son Alexandre Dumas fils), was a French writer ...
. One of the people who wronged Dantès goes mad from the latter's vengeance. * '' Jane Eyre'', an 1847 novel by Charlotte Brontë * '' Villette'', an 1853 novel by Charlotte Brontë *''Aurelia (Aurélia ou le rêve et la vie),'' an 1855 autobiography (posthumously published) of insanity by Gérald de Nerval * '' Madame Bovary'', 1856 novel by Gustave Flaubert * '' Hard Cash'', 1863 novel by
Charles Reade Charles Reade (8 June 1814 – 11 April 1884) was a British novelist and dramatist, best known for '' The Cloister and the Hearth''. Life Charles Reade was born at Ipsden, Oxfordshire, to John Reade and Anne Marie Scott-Waring, and had at leas ...
about the injustice and poor treatment of the insane and allegedly insane. * '' Crime and Punishment'', 1866 novel by
Fyodor Dostoevsky Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky (, ; rus, Фёдор Михайлович Достоевский, Fyódor Mikháylovich Dostoyévskiy, p=ˈfʲɵdər mʲɪˈxajləvʲɪdʑ dəstɐˈjefskʲɪj, a=ru-Dostoevsky.ogg, links=yes; 11 November 18219 ...
* ''
Strangers and Pilgrims A stranger is a person who is unknown to another person or group. Because of this unknown status, a stranger may be perceived as a threat until their identity (social science), identity and Character structure, character can be ascertained. Differ ...
'', 1873 novel by
Mary Elizabeth Braddon Mary Elizabeth Braddon (4 October 1835 – 4 February 1915) was an English popular novelist of the Victorian era. She is best known for her 1862 sensation novel ''Lady Audley's Secret'', which has also been dramatised and filmed several times. ...
* '' Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'', 1886 novella by Robert Louis Stevenson * '' Hunger'' (''Sult'' in the original Norwegian), 1890 novel by Knut Hamsun depicting a man whose mind slowly turns to ruin through hunger * '' The Picture of Dorian Gray,'' 1891 novel by
Oscar Wilde Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 185430 November 1900) was an Irish poet and playwright. After writing in different forms throughout the 1880s, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890s. He is ...
, centering on a handsome, narcissistic young man enthralled by the "new" hedonism of the times. * ''
Ward Number Six "Ward No. 6" (russian: Палата № 6, translit=Palata nomer shest) is an 1892 novella by Anton Chekhov. Publication The story was first published in the No.11, November 1892 issue of '' Russkaya Mysl''. Divided into chapters and with minor ...
'', 1892 short story by
Anton Chekhov Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (; 29 January 1860 Old Style date 17 January. – 15 July 1904 Old Style date 2 July.) was a Russian playwright and short-story writer who is considered to be one of the greatest writers of all time. His career ...
* ''
The Yellow Wallpaper "The Yellow Wallpaper" (original title: "The Yellow Wall-paper. A Story") is a short story by American writer Charlotte Perkins Gilman, first published in January 1892 in '' The New England Magazine''. It is regarded as an important early work ...
'', 1892 short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman * ''
The Adventure of the Devil's Foot "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot" from 1910 is one of the 56 Sherlock Holmes short stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle. It is one of eight stories in the cycle collected as ''His Last Bow''. Doyle ranked "The Adventure of the Devil's Foot ...
'', 1910 mystery short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The fumes from burning the powder of a toxic plant with extreme fear-inducing properties destroy the minds of those who survive its effects--unless one gets away fast. * '' Remembrance of Things Past'', 1913–1927 seven-volume novel by
Marcel Proust Valentin Louis Georges Eugène Marcel Proust (; ; 10 July 1871 – 18 November 1922) was a French novelist, critic, and essayist who wrote the monumental novel ''In Search of Lost Time'' (''À la recherche du temps perdu''; with the previous Eng ...
* ''Swann's Way'', 1913 work by
Marcel Proust Valentin Louis Georges Eugène Marcel Proust (; ; 10 July 1871 – 18 November 1922) was a French novelist, critic, and essayist who wrote the monumental novel ''In Search of Lost Time'' (''À la recherche du temps perdu''; with the previous Eng ...
* ''
Zeno's Conscience ''Zeno's Conscience'' ( it, La coscienza di Zeno ) is a novel by Italian writer Italo Svevo. The main character is Zeno Cosini, and the book is the fictional character's memoirs that he keeps because his psychiatrist recommended to do so in ord ...
'', 1923 novel by Italo Svevo. The main character is Zeno Cosini, and the book is the fictional character's memoirs that he keeps at the insistence of his psychiatrist. Zeno's Conscience is most notably influential for being one of the first modernist novels with a non-linear structure and told by an unreliable narrator * ''
Christina Alberta's Father ''Christina Alberta's Father'' (1925) is a novel by H. G. Wells set in London and environs in 1920–1922 with two protagonists: Albert Edward Preemby and his daughter, Christina Alberta. Starting off as a seemingly light-hearted novel of social ...
'', 1925 novel by H.G. Wells. The story tells how a retired laundryman suffered from delusions that he was the reincarnation of Sargon, King of Kings, returned to earth as Lord of the World. * ''
The Shutter of Snow ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...
'', 1930 novel by
Emily Holmes Coleman Emily Holmes Coleman (1899–1974) was an American born writer, and a lifelong compulsive diary keeper. She also wrote a single novel, ''The Shutter of Snow'' (1930). This novel, about a woman who spends time in a mental hospital after the birth o ...
. Portrays the post-partum psychosis of Marthe Gail, who after giving birth to her son, is committed to an insane asylum. * ''Flight into Darkness'' (German original: ''Flucht in die Finsternis''), 1931 novella by Arthur Schnitzler * '' Tender is the Night'', 1934 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald * ''
Private Worlds ''Private Worlds'' is a 1935 Drama (film and television), dramatic film which tells the story of the staff and patients at a mental hospital and the chief of the hospital, who has problems dealing with a female psychiatrist. The film stars Claud ...
'', 1934 novel by
Phyllis Bottome Phyllis Forbes Dennis ( ; 31 May 1884 – 22 August 1963) was a British novelist and short story writer. Life and career Bottome was born in 1882, in Rochester, Kent, the daughter of an American clergyman, Rev. William MacDonald Bottome, and a ...
. Tells the story of the staff and patients at a mental hospital in which a caring female psychiatrist and her colleague face discrimination by a conservative new supervisor. * ''
The A.B.C. Murders ''The A.B.C. Murders'' is a work of detective fiction by British writer Agatha Christie, featuring her characters Hercule Poirot, Arthur Hastings and Chief Inspector Japp, as they contend with a series of killings by a mysterious murderer kn ...
'', 1936 detective fiction novel by
Agatha Christie Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, (; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictiona ...
that revolves around the nature of homicidal lunatics, to a surprising twist reveal. * ''
The Outward Room Susan Peters (born Suzanne Carnahan; July 3, 1921 – October 23, 1952) was an American actress who appeared in over twenty films over the course of her decade-long career. Though she began her career in uncredited and ingénue roles, she would ...
'', 1937 novel by Millen Brand. Details a young woman's recovery in a mental hospital during the Great Depression after she suffers a nervous breakdown following her brother's sudden death. * '' Appointment with Death'', 1938 detective fiction novel by
Agatha Christie Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, (; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictiona ...
. One of Mrs. Boynton's daughters has paranoid schizophrenia from her mother's tormenting of her. * '' And Then There Were None'', 1939 detective fiction/psychological horror novel by
Agatha Christie Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, (; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictiona ...
. As the ordeal drags on, the fewer and fewer who survive go insane under the prolonged strain. * '' The Royal Game'' (or ''Chess Story''; ''Schachnovelle'' in the original German), 1942 novella by
Stefan Zweig Stefan Zweig (; ; 28 November 1881 – 22 February 1942) was an Austrian novelist, playwright, journalist, and biographer. At the height of his literary career, in the 1920s and 1930s, he was one of the most widely translated and popular write ...
, depicting a monarchist who develops, and then cannot again shed, the custom to separate his psyche into two personas, having been urged to maintain his sanity by playing chess against himself in
solitary confinement Solitary confinement is a form of imprisonment in which the inmate lives in a single cell with little or no meaningful contact with other people. A prison may enforce stricter measures to control contraband on a solitary prisoner and use additi ...
* '' Earth Abides'', 1949 post-apocalyptic science-fiction novel by George Stewart, deals with the human reactions to living when nearly everyone else died. * '' The Catcher in the Rye'', 1951 novel by
J. D. Salinger Jerome David Salinger (; January 1, 1919 January 27, 2010) was an American author best known for his 1951 novel ''The Catcher in the Rye''. Salinger got his start in 1940, before serving in World War II, by publishing several short stories in '' ...
* '' Lover, When You're Near Me'', 1952 science fiction short story by Richard Matheson on a man being traumatically steered in his will by a woman of a dull extraterrestrial race who covets him sexually * '' Dear Diary'', 1954 science fiction short story by Richard Matheson. Diary entries from the years AD 1964, AD 3964, and LXIV (=64) all show the same dissatisfaction with the current situation and the same desire to live either some thousand years later or earlier, that from 3964 also due to the unpleasant inventions of another inhabitant of the writer's plastic skyscraper, which enable him to see her through the walls. * '' The Hobbit'', '' The Two Towers'', and '' The Return of the King''; 1937, 1954, and 1955 high fantasy novels by J. R. R. Tolkien. The creature Gollum, a hobbit with Dissociative Identity Disorder, plays a major role. Also, a magical effect of treasure recently held by a dragon is that individuals susceptible to greed develop a form of greedy paranoia called the Dragon Sickness. * ''
The Mind Thing ''The'' () is a grammatical Article (grammar), article in English language, English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite ...
'', incomplete 1960 science fiction serialization, later published as a novel, by Fredric Brown. An extraterrestrial being has been sent to Earth as a punishment and tries to influence people's and animal's minds so that they would help it creating the technical means it needs to return home. * '' To Kill A Mockingbird'', 1960 novel by
Harper Lee Nelle Harper Lee (April 28, 1926February 19, 2016) was an American novelist best known for her 1960 novel ''To Kill a Mockingbird''. It won the 1961 Pulitzer Prize and has become a classic of modern American literature. Lee has received numero ...
* ''
Unearthly Neighbors ''Unearthly'' is a series of young adult urban fantasy novels by American author Cynthia Hand, beginning with the inaugural entry of the same name. The story follows a teenager named Clara, who learns that she is part angel and has a purpose to f ...
'', 1960 science fiction novel by Chad Oliver. The anthropology professor ''Monte Stewart'' and the linguist ''Charlie Jenike'' get tough towards each other on a hot day after having killed a member of a race between apes and men on a planet of Sirius, together, in revenge for a deadly attack of the man's tribe onto their wives and a colleague. Jenike totally loses his mind and drowns himself in a nearby river, shortly after. * ''
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest may refer to: * ''One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'' (novel), a 1962 novel by Ken Kesey * ''One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'' (play), a 1963 stage adaptation of the novel starring Kirk Douglas * ''One Flew Over the ...
'', 1962 novel by Ken Kesey about the treatment of mental illness *'' Nilo, mi hijo'' - a 1963 play by
Antonio González Caballero Antonio González Caballero () (1927–2003) was a Mexican painter, pedagogue and screenwriter. His most famous work is the play ''Nilo, mi hijo''. Famous film ''La Casa del Pelícano'' is based on it. He was born in San Luis Potosí, San Luis ...
* ''
The Bell Jar ''The Bell Jar'' is the only novel written by the American writer and poet Sylvia Plath. Originally published under the pseudonym "Victoria Lucas" in 1963, the novel is semi-autobiographical with the names of places and people changed. The book ...
'', 1963 novel by Sylvia Plath, a fictionalised account of Plath's own struggles with depression * '' Wide Sargasso Sea'', a 1966 retelling of " Jane Eyre" by Jean Rhys * ''
Clans of the Alphane Moon ''Clans of the Alphane Moon'' is a 1964 science fiction novel by American writer Philip K. Dick. It is based on his 1954 short story "Shell Game", first published in ''Galaxy Science Fiction'' magazine. Plot summary War between Earth and insec ...
'', 1964 science-fiction novel by
Philip K. Dick Philip Kindred Dick (December 16, 1928March 2, 1982), often referred to by his initials PKD, was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories, most of which appeared in science fiction magazines during his l ...
. Largely set on a world in which a lost group of former psychiatric patients have organised themselves into caste-like groups along psychiatric diagnostic lines, forming an unusual but functional society. * '' I Never Promised You a Rose Garden'', 1964 autobiographical novel by
Joanne Greenberg Joanne Greenberg (born September 24, 1932, in Brooklyn, New York) is an American author who published some of her work under the pen name of Hannah Green. She was a professor of anthropology at the Colorado School of Mines and a volunteer Emergen ...
* ''
A Wrinkle in the Skin ''A Wrinkle In The Skin'' (also known as ''The Ragged Edge'') is a 1965 post-apocalyptic science fiction novel written by the English author John Christopher. Plot summary A massive series of powerful earthquakes on a worldwide scale reduce t ...
'', 1965 post-apocalyptic science fiction novel by John Christopher. The hero and a boy meet a captain who has lost his mind, in his ship on the bottom of the English Channel that has fallen dry through an earthquake. They are welcomed heartily, but forbidden to take any food with them, when they leave. * ''
The Bird of Paradise ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...
'', 1967 work by R. D. Laing, often available with his non-fiction essay ''
The Politics of Experience ''The Politics of Experience and The Bird of Paradise'' is a 1967 book by the Scottish psychiatrist R. D. Laing. The book comprises two parts - the first a collection of seven articles previously published between 1962 and 1965; the second a free ...
'' about schizophrenia and hallucinogenic drugs * ''
The Ethics of Madness ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in En ...
'', 1967 science fiction short story by Larry Niven * ''
Bedlam Planet Bedlam, a word for an environment of insanity, is a term that may refer to: Places * Bedlam, North Yorkshire, a village in England * Bedlam, Shropshire, a small hamlet in England * Bethlem Royal Hospital, a London psychiatric institution and t ...
'', 1968 science fiction novel by
John Brunner John Brunner may refer to: * Sir John Brunner, 1st Baronet (1842–1919), British industrialist and Liberal Member of Parliament * John L. Brunner (1929–1980), Pennsylvania politician * Sir John Brunner, 2nd Baronet (1865–1929), British Libera ...
. A crew of astronauts tries to live on the animal and vegetable food growing on a planet of Sigma Draconis, which evokes mental disorder, but also sets free survival instincts that have so far been hidden. * '' The Sword'', 1968 fantasy short story by Lloyd Alexander. A king yields to anger, with lethal results, in a moment of weakness. As he grows worse and worse, he also develops a severe case of paranoia, fearing assassination and other revenge plots around every corner. * ''Knots'', 1970 work by R.D. Laing * ''
Diving into the Wreck Diving most often refers to: * Diving (sport), the sport of jumping into deep water * Underwater diving, human activity underwater for recreational or occupational purposes Diving or Dive may also refer to: Sports * Dive (American football) ...
'', 1973 collection of poetry by Adrienne Rich * ''
Sybil Sibyls were oracular women believed to possess prophetic powers in ancient Greece. Sybil or Sibyl may also refer to: Films * ''Sybil'' (1921 film) * ''Sybil'' (1976 film), a film starring Sally Field * ''Sybil'' (2007 film), a remake of the 19 ...
'', 1973 novel by
Flora Rheta Schreiber Flora Rheta Schreiber (April 24, 1918 – November 3, 1988)Special Collections, database. 2020.The Papers of Flora Rheta Schreiber 1916–1988" ''Lloyd Sealy Library''. New York: John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Retrieved 13 May 2020. was an A ...
* '' Breakfast of Champions'', 1973 novel by Kurt Vonnegut * ''
The Eden Express ''The Eden Express: A Memoir of Insanity'' () is a 1975 memoir by Mark Vonnegut, son of American writer Kurt Vonnegut, about Mark's experiences in the late 1960s and his major psychotic breakdown and recovery. After his recovery, he undertook the ...
'', 1975 memoir by Mark Vonnegut * ''
Woman on the Edge of Time ''Woman on the Edge of Time'' is a 1976 novel by Marge Piercy. It is considered a classic of utopian "speculative" science fiction as well as a feminist classic. The novel was originally published by Alfred A. Knopf. Piercy draws on several inspir ...
'', 1976 novel by Marge Piercy * '' The Silmarillion'', 1977 collection of myths by J. R. R. Tolkien. The account of the rise and fall of Númenor states that one of the kings, Tar-Atanamir, was " witless and unmanned" in his final years. * ''
The Language of Goldfish ''The Language of Goldfish'' is a young adult novel by Zibby Oneal, first published in 1980. It chronicles the mental breakdown of a young teenage girl. Oneal wrote the book in pieces over the course of five years. Plot summary Carrie Stokes, ag ...
'', 1980 young adult novel by Zibby Oneal * '' Norwegian Wood'', 1987 novel by Haruki Murakami * ''
The Cat Who Went Underground ''The Cat Who Went Underground'' is the ninth novel in ''The Cat Who'' series of murder mystery novels by Lilian Jackson Braun. Plot introduction ''This summary is taken from the back cover of the Recorded Books () version of the book:'' "Despi ...
'', 1989 detective fiction novel by Lillian Jackson Braun * ''
Doom Patrol Doom Patrol is a superhero team from DC Comics. The original Doom Patrol first appeared in ''My Greatest Adventure'' #80 (June 1963), and was created by writers Arnold Drake and Bob Haney, along with artist Bruno Premiani. Doom Patrol has appe ...
'', a comic book series originating in 1963. During Grant Morrison's 1989 – 1993 run it included the
multiple personality Dissociative identity disorder (DID), better known as multiple personality disorder or multiple personality syndrome, is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of at least two distinct and relatively enduring personality, personality sta ...
affected Crazy Jane and several other characters either insane or in possession of greater truths. * ''
American Psycho ''American Psycho'' is a novel by Bret Easton Ellis, published in 1991. The story is told in the first person by Patrick Bateman, a serial killer and Manhattan investment banker. Alison Kelly of ''The Observer'' notes that while "some countr ...
''. 1991 novel by Bret Easton Ellis. * ''
Heir to the Empire The ''Thrawn'' trilogy, also known as the ''Heir to the Empire'' trilogy, is a trilogy of novels set in the '' Star Wars'' universe, written by Timothy Zahn between 1991 and 1993. The first book marked the end of what ''Star Wars'' fandom calls "T ...
'', ''
Dark Force Rising The ''Thrawn'' trilogy, also known as the ''Heir to the Empire'' trilogy, is a trilogy of novels set in the ''Star Wars'' universe, written by Timothy Zahn between 1991 and 1993. The first book marked the end of what ''Star Wars'' fandom calls "Th ...
'', and '' The Last Command'', 1991 trilogy of novels by
Timothy Zahn Timothy Zahn (born September 1, 1951) is an American writer of science fiction and fantasy. He is known best for his prolific collection of ''Star Wars'' List of Star Wars books, books, chiefly the Thrawn trilogy, ''Thrawn'' series, and has publis ...
. Joruus C'baoth, the clone of a tragic Jedi Master from the final years of the Old Republic, is insane due to his hyperaccelerated physical and mental development. * ''
Mariel of Redwall Mariel may refer to: * Mariel (given name) * Mariel, Cuba, a municipality and city * Mariel boatlift, a 1980 exodus of Cubans to the United States * '' Mariel of Redwall'', a book in the Redwall series by Brian Jacques * Mari-El, an autonomous re ...
'', 1991 fantasy novel by
Brian Jacques James Brian Jacques (, as in "Jakes"; 15 June 1939 – 5 February 2011) was an English novelist known for his ''Redwall'' series of novels and ''Castaways of the Flying Dutchman'' series. He also completed two collections of short stories entit ...
. Pirate warlord Gabool grows increasingly paranoid about possible threats to his power and develops delusions about a stolen bell. * ''
Regeneration Regeneration may refer to: Science and technology * Regeneration (biology), the ability to recreate lost or damaged cells, tissues, organs and limbs * Regeneration (ecology), the ability of ecosystems to regenerate biomass, using photosynthesis ...
'', 1991 novel by Pat Barker, based on the historical experiences of the poet
Siegfried Sassoon Siegfried Loraine Sassoon (8 September 1886 – 1 September 1967) was an English war poet, writer, and soldier. Decorated for bravery on the Western Front, he became one of the leading poets of the First World War. His poetry both describ ...
, explores
shell-shock Shell shock is a term coined in World War I by the British psychologist Charles Samuel Myers to describe the type of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) many soldiers were afflicted with during the war (before PTSD was termed). It is a react ...
and other traumatic illnesses following World War I * ''
Amnesia Amnesia is a deficit in memory caused by brain damage or disease,Gazzaniga, M., Ivry, R., & Mangun, G. (2009) Cognitive Neuroscience: The biology of the mind. New York: W.W. Norton & Company. but it can also be caused temporarily by the use ...
'', 1992 novel by
Douglas Anthony Cooper Douglas Anthony Cooper is a Canadian novelist living in Rome. Michiko Kakutani in ''The New York Times'' wrote that his "elliptical narrative style recalls works by D. M. Thomas, Paul Auster, Sam Shepard and Vladimir Nabokov." Background Cooper ...
* ''
She's Come Undone ''She's Come Undone'' is the 1992 debut novel by Wally Lamb. The novel was selected as the fourth book for Oprah's Book Club in December 1996. Lamb's novel was named a finalist for the 1992 Los Angeles Book Awards' Art Seidenbaum Prize for first ...
'', 1992 novel by Wally Lamb * ''
Girl, Interrupted ''Girl, Interrupted'' is a best-selling 1993 memoir by American author Susanna Kaysen, relating her experiences as a young woman in an American psychiatric hospital in the 1960s after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Th ...
'', 1993 memoir by
Susanna Kaysen Susanna Kaysen (born November 11, 1948) is an American author, best known for her 1993 memoir '' Girl, Interrupted''. Background Kaysen was born and raised in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the daughter of Annette (Neutra) and economist Carl ...
* ''
Prozac Nation ''Prozac Nation'' is a memoir by Elizabeth Wurtzel published in 1994. The book describes the author's experiences with atypical depression, her own character failings and how she managed to live through particularly difficult periods while compl ...
'', 1994 memoir by Elizabeth Wurtzel * '' Effie's Burning'', 1995 play by
Valerie Windsor Valerie may refer to: People *Saint Valerie (disambiguation), a number of saints went by the name Valerie *Valerie (given name), a feminine given name Songs *"Valerie", a 1981 song by Quarterflash, from ''Quarterflash'' *"Valerie", a 1982 son ...
* '' Maskerade'', 1995 comic fantasy/detective fiction novel by Sir Terry Pratchett. * '' Myst: The Book of Atrus'', 1995 novel (re-released in a 2004 omnibus) by Rand and Robyn Miller with
Dave Wingrove Dave may refer to: Film, television, and theater * ''Dave'' (film), a 1993 film starring Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver * ''Dave'' (musical), a 2018 stage musical adaptation of the film * Dave (TV channel), a digital television channel in the ...
. Atrus comes to realize that his father is a megalomaniac. * '' Fight Club'', 1996 novel by
Chuck Palahniuk Charles Michael "Chuck" Palahniuk (; born February 21, 1962) is an American freelance journalist and novelist who describes his work as transgressional fiction. He has published 19 novels, three nonfiction books, two graphic novels, and two adul ...
* '' The Green Mile'', 1996 serial novel by
Stephen King Stephen Edwin King (born September 21, 1947) is an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. Described as the "King of Horror", a play on his surname and a reference to his high s ...
* ''
Enduring Love ''Enduring Love'' (1997) is a novel by British writer Ian McEwan. The plot concerns two strangers who become perilously entangled after witnessing a deadly accident. Summary On a beautiful and cloudless day, a middle-aged couple celebrate thei ...
'', 1997 novel Ian McEwan * ''Glimmer'', 1997 novel by Annie Waters * '' Glamorama''. 1998 novel by Bret Easton Ellis. * '' I Know This Much Is True'', 1998 novel by Wally Lamb * '' Willow Weep for Me: A Black Woman's Journey Through Depression'', 1998 memoir by Meri Nana-Ama Danquah. * '' Cut'', 2000 novel by Patricia McCormick * ''Borderline'', 2000 novel by
Marie-Sissi Labrèche Marie-Sissi Labrèche (born 1969 in Montreal, Quebec) is a Canadian writer, most noted as the cowriter of the 2008 film '' Borderline''."Borderline director aims for provocative, not perverse; Charlebois's debut is dark portrait of troubled soul". ...
* ''
La Brèche LA most frequently refers to Los Angeles, the second largest city in the United States. La, LA, or L.A. may also refer to: Arts and entertainment Music * La (musical note), or A, the sixth note * "L.A.", a song by Elliott Smith on ''Figure ...
'', 2002 novel by
Marie-Sissi Labrèche Marie-Sissi Labrèche (born 1969 in Montreal, Quebec) is a Canadian writer, most noted as the cowriter of the 2008 film '' Borderline''."Borderline director aims for provocative, not perverse; Charlebois's debut is dark portrait of troubled soul". ...
* '' Oxygen'' and '' The Fifth Man'', 2001 and 2002 science fiction duology by
Randall S. Ingermanson Randall may refer to the following: Places United States *Randall, California, former name of White Hall, California, an unincorporated community *Randall, Indiana, a former town *Randall, Iowa, a city *Randall, Kansas, a city *Randall, Minnesota ...
and
John B. Olson John is a common English name and surname: * John (given name) * John (surname) John may also refer to: New Testament Works * Gospel of John, a title often shortened to John * First Epistle of John, often shortened to 1 John * Second E ...
. One of the astronauts on a Mars mission grows increasingly paranoid. * ''
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ''Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix'' is a fantasy novel written by British author J. K. Rowling and the fifth novel in the ''Harry Potter'' series. It follows Harry Potter's struggles through his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witc ...
'', 2003 fantasy/bildungsroman novel by J. K. Rowling, includes a scene with a couple who both have profound dementia resulting from prolonged magical torture. * ''
The Unifying Force ''Star Wars: The New Jedi Order'' (or ''New Jedi Order'' or ''NJO'') is a series of 19 science fiction novels, published from 1999 to 2003, set in the ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe. The series revolves around the Yuuzhan Vong invasion of ...
'', 2003 science fiction novel by James Luceno. * ''
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime ''The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'' is a 2003 mystery novel by British writer Mark Haddon. Its title refers to an observation by the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes (created by Arthur Conan Doyle) in the 1892 short story " ...
'', 2003 novel by
Mark Haddon Mark Haddon (born 28 October 1962) is an English novelist, best known for ''The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'' (2003). He won the Whitbread Award, the Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award, Guardian Prize, and a Commonwealth Wr ...
* '' The Good Patient: A Novel'', 2004 novel by Kristin Waterfield Duisberg * '' Set This House in Order'', a 2004 novel by
Matt Ruff Matt may refer to: *Matt (name), people with the given name ''Matt'' or Matthew, meaning "gift from God", or the surname Matt *In British English, of a surface: having a non-glossy finish, see gloss (material appearance) *Matt, Switzerland, a mu ...
. Revolving around a romance between two characters with
multiple personalities Dissociative identity disorder (DID), better known as multiple personality disorder or multiple personality syndrome, is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of at least two distinct and relatively enduring personality states. The di ...
. * ''Hello, Serotonin'', 2004 work by Jon Paul Fiorentino * ''
High Rhulain ''High Rhulain'' is a children's fantasy novel by Brian Jacques, published in 2005. It is the 18th book in the ''Redwall'' series. Plot summary The novel begins with Riggu Felis, wildcat warlord of Green Isle, and his two sons, Jeefra and Pitru, ...
'', 2005 fantasy novel by
Brian Jacques James Brian Jacques (, as in "Jakes"; 15 June 1939 – 5 February 2011) was an English novelist known for his ''Redwall'' series of novels and ''Castaways of the Flying Dutchman'' series. He also completed two collections of short stories entit ...
. Between his battle injuries and a traumatic bereavement, Long Patrol Major Cuthbert Blanedaale Frunk has developed Dissociative Identity Disorder. * ''
Human Traces ''Human Traces'' is a 2005 novel by Sebastian Faulks, best known as the British author of ''Birdsong'' and '' Charlotte Gray''. The novel took Faulks five years to write. It tells of two friends who set up a pioneering asylum in 19th-century Aus ...
'', 2005 novel by Sebastian Faulks. Two psychiatrists set in the late 19th and early 20th century. * '' Love Creeps'', 2005 novel by
Amanda Filipacchi Amanda Filipacchi (; born October 10, 1967) is an American novelist. She was born in Paris and educated in both in France and in the U.S. She is the author of four novels, ''Nude Men'' (1993), ''Vapor (novel), Vapor'' (1999), ''Love Creeps'' (20 ...
. A comedic book about a love triangle who are stalking each other. * ''
A Spot of Bother ''A Spot of Bother'' is the second adult novel by Mark Haddon, who is best known for his prize-winning first novel ''The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time''. Like ''Curious Incident'', ''A Spot of Bother'' examines mental health iss ...
'', 2006 novel by
Mark Haddon Mark Haddon (born 28 October 1962) is an English novelist, best known for ''The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'' (2003). He won the Whitbread Award, the Dolly Gray Children's Literature Award, Guardian Prize, and a Commonwealth Wr ...
, written from the point of view of a 57-year-old
hypochondriac Hypochondriasis or hypochondria is a condition in which a person is excessively and unduly worried about having a serious illness. An old concept, the meaning of hypochondria has repeatedly changed. It has been claimed that this debilitating cond ...
man who suffers from extreme panic attacks and also develops dementia * ''Darkness Descending'', 2007 novel by
Bethann Korsmit Bethann Siviter (born 1963) is a British Registered Nurse and author originally from the United States. She overcame sudden illness and resulting disability to return to work in the NHS and has since used her experiences as a patient to highligh ...
about a man who suffers a mental breakdown and various other mental problems, and the people who help him to overcome the obstacles in his life * The Vegetarian, 2007 novel by Han Kang. * '' All in the Mind'', 2008 novel by Alastair Campbell which draws on the author's experiences of depression and alcoholism * ''Atmospheric Disturbances'', 2009 novel by
Rivka Galchen Rivka Galchen (born April 19, 1976) is a Canadian-American writer. Her first novel, ''Atmospheric Disturbances'', was published in 2008 and was awarded the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing. She is the author of five books and a cont ...
. About a psychiatrist and one of his patients with a mental illness. * ''The Wilderness'', 2009 novel by Samantha Harvey about
Alzheimer's Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and progressively worsens. It is the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As t ...
* ''
Radiant Daughter Radiant may refer to: Computers, software, and video games * Radiant (software), a content management system * GtkRadiant, a level editor created by id Software for their games * Radiant AI, a technology developed by Bethesda Softworks for ''The ...
'', 2010 novel by
Patricia Grossman Patricia Grossman (born 1951) is an American novelist. Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1951, Grossman moved to New York City to attend Pratt Institute, where she studied drawing and painting. She has an M.F.A. in writing from Sarah Lawrence College and ...
. A story that is about a Czech family with a daughter who is suffering from bipolar. *Blepharospasm, 2011 novel by Harutyun Mackoushian. A story that focuses on a boy suffering from anxiety. * ''A Better Place'', 2011 novel by Mark A. Roeder *''The Heart of Darkness'', 2014 novel by
Dominic Lyne Dominic Lyne (born 1983) is an English author, currently based in London. Common themes within his work include drug abuse, dissociation, sexuality, and mental health issues. Work Lyne was born in Canvey Island, Essex. Common themes within his ...
. Through conversations with his therapist, he tries to make sense of the world around him and his inability to do so pulls him deeper into the depths of his delusions. *''Challenger Deep'', 2015 young adult novel by Neal Shusterman. The first half of the book leaves the audience questioning if the plot is real, but it ends up being about mental illnesses. From the point of view of somebody with a mental illness. * ''
The Suicide of Claire Bishop ''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things that are already or about to be mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in En ...
'', 2015 novel by
Carmiel Banasky Karmiel ( he, כַּרְמִיאֵל) is a city in northern Israel. Established in 1964 as a development town, Karmiel is located in the Beit HaKerem Valley which divides upper and lower Galilee. The city is located south of the Acre-Safed road, f ...
. Schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, and suicide are main topics. *'' Turtles All The Way Down'', 2018 novel by John Green. Aza Holmes, a young woman navigating daily existence within the ever-tightening spiral of her own thoughts. *''Everything Here Is Beautiful'', 2018 novel by Mira T. Lee. An immigrant story, and a young woman’s quest to find fulfillment and a life unconstrained by her illness. * ''
Cleopatra in Space ''Cleopatra in Space'' is an American children's graphic novel series drawn and written since 2014 by Mike Maihack, and published by Graphix, a division of Scholastic. The premise of the series is that a teenaged Queen Cleopatra is brought t ...
'' 2014-2020 graphic novel series by Mike Maihack. The protagonist, Cleopatra "Cleo" has a bit of
ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by excessive amounts of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are pervasive, impairing in multiple contexts, and otherwise age-inapp ...
and was written from the beginning as having " depressive disorder." *
The Drowning Girl __NOTOC__ ''The Drowning Girl: A Memoir'' is a 2012 novel by American writer Caitlín R. Kiernan, set in Providence, Rhode Island. The story's protagonist and unreliable narrator, India Morgan Phelps (also known as Imp), has schizophrenia. It h ...
, 2012 novel by
Caitlin R. Kiernan Caitlin () is a female given name of Irish origin. Historically, the Irish name Caitlín was anglicized as Cathleen or Kathleen. In the 1970s, however, non-Irish speakers began pronouncing the name according to English spelling rules as , which ...
. The protagonist, a young woman afflicted with hereditary Schizophrenia, becomes infatuated with the lone survior of a suicide cult. *''My Half-Sister's Half-Sister'', 2021 novel by Samantha Henthorn. The protagonist accuses her family of practising witchcraft until it is revealed that she is psychotic and is admitted to a mental health ward.


Motion pictures

Many motion pictures portray mental illness in inaccurate ways, leading to misunderstanding and heightened stigmatization of the mentally ill. However, some movies are lauded for dispelling stereotypes and providing insight into mental illness. In a study by George Gerbner, it was determined that 5 percent of 'normal' television characters are murderers, while 20% of 'mentally-ill' characters are murderers. 40% of normal characters are violent, while 70% of mentally-ill characters are violent. Contrary to what is portrayed in films and television, Henry J. Steadman, Ph.D., and his colleagues at Policy Research Associates found that, overall, formal mental patients did not have a higher rate of violence than the control group of people who were not formal mental patients. In both groups, however, substance abuse was linked to a higher rate of violence. (Hockenbury and Hockenbury, 2004) * '' Psycho'', a 1960 American film which features a man who exhibits multiple personality-disorder (includes several prequels or sequels or remakes) * '' Marnie'', a 1964 American film which features a woman with obsessive fear and distrust * '' Oil Lamps'', a 1971 film by Juraj Herz, based on the same named novel by
Jaroslav Havlíček Jaroslav Havlíček (3 February 1896 – 7 April 1943) was a Czech novelist. He was an exponent of naturalism and psychological novel in Czech literature. Life Jaroslav Havlíček was born in a teacher's family in Jilemnice, Liberec Region. He ...
, describing the life of vivacious girl and her matrimony with a sardonic man, who suffer from emerging paralytic dementia * ''
Benny & Joon ''Benny & Joon'' is a 1993 American romantic comedy-drama film released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer about how two eccentric individuals, Sam (Johnny Depp) and Juniper "Joon" (Mary Stuart Masterson), find each other and fall in love. Aidan Quinn also st ...
'', a 1993 American film which features a woman with schizophrenia * '' Memento'', a 2000 psychological thriller film which is about a man with anterograde amnesia which renders his brain unable to store new memories. * '' A Beautiful Mind'', a 2001 film which is a fictionalised account of a mathematician with schizophrenia, John Nash * '' The Soloist'', a 2009 film depicting the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musical prodigy who develops schizophrenia during his second year at Juilliard School, becomes homeless and plays a two stringed violin in the streets of
Downtown Los Angeles Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) contains the central business district of Los Angeles. In addition, it contains a diverse residential area of some 85,000 people, and covers . A 2013 study found that the district is home to over 500,000 jobs. It is ...
* '' Silver Linings Playbook'', a 2012 film about a bipolar man and his relationship with a depressed young widow.


Television

Many popular television shows feature characters with a mental health condition. Often these portrayals are inaccurate and reinforce existing stereotypes, thereby increasing stigma associated with having a mental health condition. Common ways that television shows can generate misunderstanding and fear are by depicting people with these conditions as medically noncompliant, violent, and/or intellectually challenged. However, in recent years certain organizations have begun to advocate for accurate portrayals of mental health conditions in the media, and certain television shows have been applauded by mental health organizations for helping to dispel myths of these conditions. One show, ''
Wonderland Wonderland may refer to: Places Municipalities * Wonderland, California, a ghost town in Plumas County * Wonderland, Ohio, a ghost town in Columbus, Ohio, U.S. Roads, streets, and trails * Wonderland Avenue, a roadway in Laurel Canyon, Los Ang ...
'', went on the air in 2000 and only lasted several episodes. It was largely critically acclaimed, but pressure from mental health advocates and people with mental health conditions, who felt that the show perpetuated stereotypes and contributed to the stigma attached to them, led to the show's cancellation. The Scandinavian crime drama ''
The Bridge The Bridge may refer to: Art, entertainment and media Art * ''The Bridge'' (sculpture), a 1997 sculpture in Atlanta, Georgia, US * Die Brücke (''The Bridge''), a group of German expressionist artists * ''The Bridge'' (M. C. Escher), a lithograph ...
'' features multiple examples of mental illness, most prominently including Münchausen syndrome by proxy. In 2005, the shows ''
Huff Huff or huffing may refer to: People * Huff (surname), a list of people with the surname Places in the United States * Huff Township, Spencer County, Indiana * Huff, Missouri, an unincorporated community * Huff, Kentucky, an unincorporated co ...
''; '' Monk''; ''
Scrubs Scrub(s) may refer to: * Scrub, low shrub and grass characteristic of scrubland * Scrubs (clothing), worn by medical staff * ''Scrubs'' (TV series), an American television program * Scrubs (occupation), also called "scrub tech," "scrub nurse," o ...
''; and '' ER'' all won Voice Awards from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for their positive portrayal of people who manage mental health conditions. Neal Baer, executive producer of '' ER'' and '' Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'' also won a lifetime achievement award for his work in incorporating mental health issues into these two shows. '' United States of Tara'' is a television show about dissociative identity disorder. The '' Steven Universe'' franchise features characters with psychological trauma. The animated Netflix series, ''
Bojack Horseman ''BoJack Horseman'' is an American adult animation, adult animated Black comedy, black Comedy drama, comedy-drama streaming television series created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg. It stars the voices of Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F ...
'' dives into themes about depression,
generalized anxiety Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental and behavioral disorder, specifically an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about events or activities. Worry often interferes with daily functioni ...
, self-destructive behavior, post-traumatic stress disorder, narcissism and
substance abuse Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is the use of a drug in amounts or by methods which are harmful to the individual or others. It is a form of substance-related disorder. Differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, ...
The Animated Netflix series,
Arcane (TV series) ''Arcane'' (titled onscreen as ''Arcane: League of Legends'') is an animated action-adventure streaming television series created by Christian Linke and Alex Yee. It was produced by the French animation studio Fortiche under the supervision of ...
presents the story of two sisters suffering from extreme trauma. Fans trust Jinx suffers from
Borderline personality disorder Borderline personality disorder (BPD), also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD), is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of unstable interpersonal relationships, distorted sense of self, and strong ...
, PTSD and Schizophrenia, while Vi has extreme childhood trauma.


Video games

The game ''
Silent Hill 2 is a 2001 survival horror game developed by Team Silent, a group in Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, and published by Konami. The game was released from September to November, originally for the PlayStation 2. The second installment in ...
'' of the same genres contains three major characters struggling with mental illness. Though their conditions are never named, two of these characters exhibit symptoms which, together with their backstories, may suggest acute dissociative amnesia; while the third character most definitively approximates body dysmorphic disorder. (The topic of dissociative amnesia is revisited in later installments of the series.) In addition, both this game and ''
Silent Hill 3 ''Silent Hill 3'' is a 2003 survival horror game developed by Team Silent, a group in Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, and published by Konami. The game was released from May to August, originally for the PlayStation 2. The third installmen ...
'' mention various former patients of the now-abandoned town's local psychiatric hospital, with one said patient making an appearance in the latter game. ''
Life is Strange ''Life Is Strange'' (abbreviated ''LIS'') is a series of primarily episodic graphic adventure games published by Square Enix's European subsidiary. Created by Dontnod Entertainment, the series debuted with the eponymous first installment, ...
'' deals with depression, suicide most notably, as the main character Max tries to prevent the suicide of one of her friends. One of the characters exhibits concerning behaviors and is prescribed medicines most often associated with bipolar and schizophrenia. It is implied he is seeing a psychiatrist. '' Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc'' deals with a side character named Toko Fukawa who suffers from
DID Dissociative identity disorder (DID), better known as multiple personality disorder or multiple personality syndrome, is a mental disorder characterized by the presence of at least two distinct and relatively enduring personality, personality sta ...
. Her first identity being a well-known writer. Her second identity was a serial killer. The next character who has a canon mental illness is Nagito Komaeda, a loved character from '' Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair'' who suffers from lymphoma in stage 3 and has
Frontotemporal dementia Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), or frontotemporal degeneration disease, or frontotemporal neurocognitive disorder, encompasses several types of dementia involving the progressive degeneration of frontal and temporal lobes. FTDs broadly present as ...
. ''
Final Fantasy VII is a 1997 role-playing video game developed by Square for the PlayStation console. It is the seventh main installment in the ''Final Fantasy'' series. Published in Japan by Square, it was released in other regions by Sony Computer Entertai ...
'' implies numerous times that the main character, Cloud Strife, has some form of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. In '' Pokémon Sword and Shield'', Chairman Rose is shown to have a severe idée fixe about a far-off energy crisis.


See also

* List of mental disorders in film


Notes

{{Reflist Literary motifs