Why is the media fascinated with mental health disorders? Why have mental health diagnoses been increasing lately?
In his book The Psychopath Test, British journalist and author Jon Ronson explores how the mental health sector has expanded in recent years. He also discusses the media’s sensationalism with people it finds to be “crazy” and why it’s an unfair representation.
Keep reading to learn more about how mental health is depicted in the media.
The Influence of Mental Health Disorders on Society and Media
How is mental health in society portrayed in media? Mental health disorders have a significant impact on societal norms, cultural perceptions, and the way they are portrayed across various media platforms. Jon Ronson delves into the complex relationship between madness, mental health conditions, and their representation in different social spheres, as well as their expansion in the mental health sector and depiction in various media.
(Shortform note: The media’s portrayal of mental health issues could be seen as a reflection of societal interest and concern rather than mere sensationalism.)
The Expansion of Diagnostic Criteria
Ronson examines how the mental health sector has expanded its diagnostic criteria. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has been broadened to include a wider range of psychological conditions, leading to an increase in diagnoses, particularly the identification of bipolar disorder in young people.
Robert Spitzer’s work in the 1970s aimed to develop a systematic approach for diagnosing mental disorders, focusing on checklists based on observable behaviors. Influenced by pioneers like Bob Hare, Spitzer and his team expanded the DSM to include conditions such as PTSD, Personality Disorder, and Autism. This expansion led to a significant increase in individuals diagnosing themselves with these conditions. The sector’s shift towards categorization has sparked intense debates, especially due to the rise in diagnosing conditions in children, particularly bipolar disorder, raising questions about the appropriateness of such classifications.
(Shortform note: The expansion of diagnostic criteria in the DSM could be viewed as a response to a better understanding of mental health rather than an over-pathologization of behavior.)
Media’s Role in Perpetuating Fascination With Unpredictable Behavior
Media outlets often capitalize on and perpetuate society’s fascination with unpredictable individual behavior. The author explores how the media amplifies mental health issues to attract viewers, deliberately selecting television contestants with extreme behaviors for entertainment purposes. This pursuit of viewership often involves the manipulation and exploitation of mental health issues, with journalists also focusing on and exaggerating extreme characteristics to create a compelling narrative.
The Author’s Reflections on Journalistic Tendencies
The author reflects on his own tendencies as a journalist to seek out and sensationalize the “craziness” in people. Following constructive feedback from a colleague, he questions whether his approach to journalism, which often highlights the unique aspects of individuals’ personalities, could be seen as overly reductive or unfair. He recognizes that his examination of the mental health sector has inadvertently entangled him in the very processes he is studying.
Distinguishing the Author’s Methodology From Conventional Practices
The author distinguishes his methodology from conventional practices in the field of mental health, which often rely on classification and the application of labels. He reflects on the media’s formula for presenting mental illness, exploring why certain behaviors are showcased while others are ignored. This selection process highlights society’s widespread fascination and misconceptions about psychological disorders. The story also examines the tendency of the mental wellness sector to categorize behaviors that might have previously been dismissed as quirky or harmless as indicative of a psychological condition, as demonstrated by case studies involving mood regulation challenges in young people and beyond.
In conclusion, the author’s insights connect the development of mental health disorders within professional settings to their broader misinterpretation and portrayal in societal and media contexts. His journalistic experience reflects the complex nature of these connections, prompting a consideration of the ethical issues involved in creating and engaging with stories about psychological health conditions.
