Bipolar Disorders In Bradley Cooper's Silver Linings Playbook

1071 Words3 Pages

Silver Linings Playbook Pat Solitano, played by Bradley Cooper in Silver Linings Playbook, portrays symptoms of bipolar disorder. The DSM-5 defines bipolar disorder as “increased activity, poor concentration, and increased impulsivity,” these symptoms are seen in Pat in the movie. The DSM also describes how these symptoms are episodic and can occur several days at a time. People with this disorder also have increased impulsivity or inattention accompanied by elevated mood, grandiosity, and more (DSM-5). Not only is Pat diagnosed with this disorder in the movie, but I also believe it is an accurate diagnosis because each of these symptoms are seen throughout the film. At the beginning of the movie, Pat has just been released from a psychiatric …show more content…

Cliff Patel is Pat’s therapist and helps him stay calm in times of stress and worry. Examples of bipolar episodes Pat experienced in the movie frequently revolved around Pat’s wife and wedding, particularly his wedding song. One happens when he is in the office to see Dr. Patel, his wedding song begins to play on the speakers which completely freaks him out and he asks the person at the front desk to please turn it off because it is killing him. The person says she can not turn it off because she does not control the music, which makes Pat extremely angry and uncomfortable. He frantically tries to find the speaker to turn off the music, but in the process knocks down a magazine rack, which scares the other people in the waiting room. He quickly recognizes what he has done and apologizes to everyone in the room. This clearly shows the symptoms of impulsivity and increased activity experienced by many with bipolar disorder. I think this is a great portrayal of someone struggling with bipolar disorder because it accurately represents the fast change in mood that happens as a result of this …show more content…

Although not necessarily starting as a result of this agitation and anger, Pat felt it was uncalled for and completely random. This shows Pat struggling with impulsivity once more because he randomly just had to find this wedding tape and because he couldn’t he was enraged. Although both increased activity and impulsivity are two symptoms portrayed in the movie, poor concentration is not easily found. Many times you see Pat not being able to focus on more than one thing at a time, but he is unable to focus. When he is having conversations with Tiffany about the letter and she changes the topic, all he can think about is the letter, but that does not necessarily show poor concentration, but rather he is being self-centered. While Pat is spending time at home, he is connecting with Tiffany. Although challenged in her way, Tiffany helps Pat work through his problems and develop necessary life skills. Not only dancing, but also punctuality and the ability to work through a schedule. Pat and Tiffany meet at a dinner hosted by Veronica (Tiffany’s sister) and her husband Ronnie (Pat’s good

More about Bipolar Disorders In Bradley Cooper's Silver Linings Playbook

Open Document