How Is Peter Winter Struggles With The Paranoid Type Of Schizophrenia?

In the film Clean, Shaven, main character Peter Winter struggles with the paranoid type of schizophrenia. Peter is released from a facility and steps into everyday life experiencing positive hallucinations, both visual and auditory, as well as delusions. The film portrays Peter’s thought process to be filled with rapidly changing, disturbing voices while a young girl appears instantaneously next to his car. Delusions of persecution or the belief that others have intent to harm, or appear hostile to the individual, is suggested by Peter’s frightened reaction the girl’s frowning expression (Kneisel, 2013). He continues to struggle with somatic delusions, or the concept of his body possessing alterations involving a transmitter device implanted within his head, and a controller in his finger (Kneisel, 2013). Along with the frequent delusional episodes, Peter struggles from negative symptoms of avolition, which is the inability to keep motivation towards goal-related tasks (Kneisel, 2013). Peter’s avolition is exemplified by unemployment, absence of peer relationships, his preference to avoid social contact or leave his mother’s home. It is evident Peter does not take medications from the conversation scene between Mrs. Winter and the detective, in which Mrs. Winter admits “different” behaviors throughout child and early adulthood. Although Clean, Shaven illustrates accurate symptoms behind the disorder of schizophrenia, there are many aspects unaddressed in the film.

Peter’s form of schizophrenia focused mostly on the positive symptoms along with paranoia and disorganization subtypes within the disorder. A subtype not shown by Peter includes catatonic behavior, or waxy flexibility posturing of limbs. Residual type of schizophrenia...

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... worsening and unusual changes in mood (Skyscape, 2014a,b). Alcohol should be avoided while taking either of these medications (ATI, 2013). Peter should also use sunscreen and protective clothing while taking Risperdal because it may cause photosensitivity (Skyscape, 2014b). It is recommended that Peter confirms with his physician or nurse with starting any new medications, both prescription and over the counter, to avoid interactions with Abilify or Risperdal (ATI, 2013).

Due to improvements in psychiatric healthcare over the past few decades, patients suffering from mental illnesses are not limited to a single drug. Peter has many choices in possible medications that he can receive therapeutic effects from. Adherence to taking medications as directed and keeping frequent follow-up appointments will help increase the chances of gaining control of his disorder.