Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder In Matchstick Men

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While Matchstick Men depicts Nicholas Cage’s character, Roy, as a person with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder really well; meaning his disorder falls under the four D categories of abnormal psychology, it can be argued that Roy actually does not have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. After Roy dropped his illegally obtained pink pills that resemble Paroxetine for treating OCD, his partner in crime, Frank, suggested he go see a shrink. Dr. Klein disagreed with Roy on him having this disorder, believing it may be something else. It can be argued that Roy had a substance dependency on these pills his previous doctor gave him and believed so deeply that he had a disorder that could only be treated with medicine. Dr. Klein gave Roy vitamins that Roy believed was medication, his symptoms declined while he believed to be taking this medication, exhibiting the placebo effect. Roy’s messy car and habit of smoking and spreading ashes in his car as well as in his home contradict his compulsions and obsessions of cleanliness, although when there is a mess he becomes dysfunctional and …show more content…

In a scene where Roy and Frank play Federal agents to con a couple into signing a form where the two of them can cash a check the couple had written, the wife opens the glass door, revealing all the sunlight and particles in the air coming inside the home. Roy is almost catatonic for a brief moment before he begins to show symptoms of his perceived disorder. What Roy may actually be feeling is paranoia of contamination. In another scene where Roy picks up his daughter, he seems fine standing outside a park and comfortable sitting in a busy restaurant while his daughter eats her meal. Were he afraid of being outdoors, he would have been uncomfortable the entire time, or may have never left his car to pick up his

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