Movie Review - MDD Its Kind of A Funny Story
Movie Review - MDD Its Kind of A Funny Story
Movie Review - MDD Its Kind of A Funny Story
Thitrat Pongprajuc
Professor Emily Putnam
PSY 2300
December 11, 2023
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Movie Review: Major Depressive Disorder in It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Introduction
Depression or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a major health issue that affects
people all over the world. In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Major
Depressive Disorder (MDD) as the third leading cause of disease burden worldwide. The WHO
predicts that by 2030, MDD will become the top-ranked cause of disease burden. (Bains &
Abdijadid, 2023). Depression is a medical condition that can be diagnosed when a person
experiences persistent feelings of sadness or a low mood. This can be accompanied by a lack of
interest in pleasurable activities, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, low energy levels, difficulty
concentrating, changes in appetite, sleep problems, and thoughts of suicide. Psychomotor
retardation or agitation may also be present. This essay covers the History of Major Depressive
Disorder, its symptoms, etiology, differential diagnoses and assessment, the recommendation for
treatment, description of the movie's portrayal of the disorder, critiques of the movie, application
reflection, and conclusion.
professionals use DSM criteria as a primary tool to diagnose depressive disorders. While our
understanding of the condition has improved, scientists are still studying its causes. Depression is
believed to be caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. It can
cause disruptions in sleep, appetite, and activity levels. In turn, poor sleep, diet, and exercise can
make depression symptoms worse (Depression 2023).
Etiology
The etiology of Major depressive disorder is believed to be multifactorial, including
biological, Cognitive, behavioral, and sociocultural factors.
Biological causes: Genetics plays a role in depressive disorders. Research shows that if
there is a genetic predisposition to depression, there will be a higher rate of depression within
families. Identical twins are more likely to have depression than fraternal twins (Bridley &
Daffin Jr, 2022). This suggests a strong genetic link in the development of depression.
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Movie Review: Major Depressive Disorder in It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Depression is being studied at a molecular level, with gene abnormalities as a possible cause.
The 5-HTT gene on chromosome 17, responsible for serotonin activity, may be linked to
depression. However, research is limited due to sampling issues and low power (Bridley &
Daffin Jr, 2022). Depression is linked to low levels of certain chemicals in the body, such as
norepinephrine and serotonin. Brain structures like the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and
amygdala are connected to mood disorders like depression. Changes in blood flow throughout
the prefrontal cortex have been shown to be connected to depressive symptoms as well.
Cognitive causes: Depression can be caused by negative thoughts and beliefs, according
to the cognitive model. Another theory called learned helplessness suggests that if someone
experiences things they cannot control, they may start to believe they are powerless, even in
situations where they could take action. People who tend to blame themselves for negative
events are more likely to experience depression (Bridley & Daffin Jr, 2022). This happens
because they see things in a negative light and interpret daily events negatively. This negative
habit of thinking can make them more vulnerable to depression. Factors such as attributional
style, maladaptive attitudes, cognitive triads, errors in thinking, and automatic thoughts help
explain the cognitive model of depressive disorders.
Behavioral causes: Depression can occur when a person experiences a decrease in
positive rewards and an increase in negative punishments in their life. This can be caused by
various factors such as work, family, relationships, or the environment. The decrease in positive
rewards can lead to reduced engagement in constructive activities that were once important to the
person. This can eventually lead to a vicious cycle of continued poor performance and decreased
positive rewards.
Sociocultural causes: Depression is a mental illness that affects people globally, but
women are twice as likely to experience it. Separation or divorce can cause depression. Marital
problems, stress, and children can also increase the chances of depression. Depression symptoms
vary depending on the cultural background of the individual. In the United States, there are no
significant differences in depression rates and symptoms among different racial and ethnic
groups except for a difference in the rate of depression recurrence among Hispanics and African
Americans.
Depression often goes undetected in primary care settings as patients often visit for
physical problems caused by it. In almost half of the cases, patients do not admit to feeling
depressed. They are often brought in by their families or sent by their employers to be evaluated
for social withdrawal and decreased activity. It is very important for doctors to assess patients for
thoughts of suicide at each visit.
According to the National Library of Medicine, doctors often use a questionnaire called
the PHQ-9 in primary care to identify, diagnose, and track treatment progress for MMD. The
PHQ-9 is a self-report scale that asks nine questions based on the DSM-5 criteria for MDD and
also measures how depression affects daily life. Scores on the scale range from 0 to 27, with
scores of 10 or higher indicating possible MDD. Other scales used to assess depression include
the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating
Scale (MADRS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale,
the Raskin Depression Rating Scale, and other questionnaires (Bains & Abdijadid, 2023).
The movie "It's Kind of a Funny Story" tells the story of Craig Gilner, a teenager who
struggles with school pressure and family expectations. Because of this, he thinks about ending
his life. However, he decides to go to a mental health hospital instead. While there, he makes
friends with other patients who also have mental health issues. Bobby, one of the patients, helps
Craig navigate his struggles. Throughout the movie, Craig learns valuable lessons about self-
discovery, seeking help, and the power of human connections. The movie combines humor and
touching moments to deliver a heartwarming exploration of mental health, resilience, and
personal growth (Boden & Fleck, 2012).
The movie depicts Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) through the character Craig. The
portrayal highlights different signs and symptoms that are commonly associated with depression.
Depression can cause a persistent low mood and feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and
emptiness. In the movie "It's Kind of a Funny Story," the main character, Craig, experiences
these emotions and struggles to cope with them. Many people with depression also have trouble
sleeping and may struggle with insomnia. Craig finds it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep
throughout the night. Difficulty with concentration and decision-making are also common in
people with depression, and Craig's struggles with these issues are depicted in the film.
Depression can also cause thoughts of suicide, and the movie sensitively explores this aspect of
mental health through Craig's contemplation of suicide. Individuals with depression may lose
interest in activities they used to enjoy, which is also depicted in the movie through Craig's
disinterest in drawing. Finally, depression can also cause intense feelings of worthlessness and
guilt, which Craig experiences throughout the film.
backgrounds. Depression manifests differently across cultures, and a more diverse portrayal
could have enriched the narrative. There's also a risk of romanticizing the experiences within the
psychiatric hospital setting, even though the film aims to balance humor with seriousness. This
portrayal may inadvertently downplay the severity of the struggles faced by individuals with
MDD.
The movie has a positive impact on reducing stigma related to mental health issues. It
presents a sympathetic view of the main character's journey toward recovery from Major
Depressive Disorder (MDD). Showing the challenges that he faces both internally and externally
helps the audience to understand and empathize with people struggling with MDD. This can
foster greater understanding and compassion towards those who are suffering from mental health
issues. However, the film may unintentionally reinforce negative stereotypes about mental health
facilities. While the aim of the movie is to destigmatize mental health treatment, some viewers
may develop negative perceptions of psychiatric hospitals based on the movie's portrayal.
The movie helps to reduce the negative attitudes people have towards mental illness.
However, we should also be aware that it has some problems. It could make MDD look better
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Movie Review: Major Depressive Disorder in It’s Kind of a Funny Story
than it really is, and it doesn't show the experiences of different cultures. When we watch the
movie, we should use it as a way to start talking about mental health, not as a complete picture of
what MDD is.
In conclusion, Major Depressive Disorder is a mental health condition that is complex
and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive and compassionate approach to treatment and
understanding. The movie "It's Kind of a Funny Story" can spark a dialogue and bring to light
the internal struggles that those with MDD face, emphasizing the importance of seeking help.
To overcome the challenges associated with MDD and the way it is portrayed in media, it is
crucial to prioritize mental health education, advocate for diverse representations, and create
supportive environments. By fostering open conversations, reducing stigma, and promoting
access to mental health services, society can contribute to a more empathetic and informed
approach to supporting individuals dealing with Major Depressive Disorder.
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Movie Review: Major Depressive Disorder in It’s Kind of a Funny Story
References
Bains, N., & Abdijadid, S. (2023, April 10). Major depressive disorder - statpearls - NCBI
bookshelf. Major Depressive Disorder - StatPerls - NCBI Bookshelf.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559078/
Bridley, A., & Daffin Jr, L. W. (2022). MODULE 4: MOOD DISORDERS. Fundamentals of
Psychological Disorders. https://opentext.wsu.edu/abnormal-psych/chapter/module-4-
mood-disorders/
Reynolds, E. H., & Wilson, J. V. (2013). Depression and anxiety in babylon. Journal of the
Royal Society of Medicine, 106(12), 478–481. https://doi.org/10.1177/0141076813486262
Svab, V. (2016). Stigma and mental disorders. Mental Illnesses - Understanding, Prediction and
Control, 17(9), 1250–1253. https://doi.org/10.5772/30735
Schimelpfening, N. (2023, March). When were the earliest accounts of depression?. Verywell
Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/who-discovered-depression-1066770
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2023, September). Depression. National
Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
YouTube. (2012). It’s Kind Of A Funny Story. Retrieved December 8, 2023, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7unkueyyqxI.