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Writer's pictureIpshita Adarsh

The Psycho of Wall Street: Diagnosing Patrick Bateman in American Psycho



"There are no more barriers to cross. All I have in common with the uncontrollable and the insane, the vicious and the evil, all the mayhem I have caused and my utter indifference toward it I have now surpassed. My pain is constant and sharp, and I do not hope for a better world for anyone"


Introduction


American Psycho, both the novel by Bret Easton Ellis and its film adaptation, presents a chilling portrait of Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street investment banker who leads a double life as a psychopathic killer. Bateman's character offers a fascinating, albeit disturbing, case study for psychological analysis. In this article, we’ll delve into his personality, behaviours, and potential diagnoses, exploring the mind behind the “American Psycho.”


Who Is Patrick Bateman?


Patrick Bateman is portrayed as the epitome of 1980s excess: wealthy, attractive, and successful. On the surface, he embodies the ‘American Dream’, but beneath this façade lies a dark and dangerous individual. Bateman’s character is marked by extreme narcissism, superficial charm, and a complete lack of empathy, all of which contribute to his violent tendencies.


Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)


One of the most striking features of Bateman's character is his narcissism. He is obsessed with his appearance, constantly scrutinising his physique and wardrobe. His identity is wrapped up in materialism and status, and he often compares himself to others in terms of wealth, physical appearance, and social standing.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is characterised by a pervasive pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Bateman exhibits many traits of NPD:


  • Grandiosity: Bateman believes he is superior to others, whether it's in terms of his wealth, physical appearance, or taste in music and fashion.

  • Need for admiration: He craves constant validation and approval, often through superficial means like his appearance and lifestyle.

  • Lack of empathy: Bateman is incapable of understanding or caring about the feelings of others, which is evident in his violent and manipulative behavior.


While NPD explains many aspects of Bateman's personality, it doesn't fully account for his violent behaviour.


Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)


Bateman's lack of empathy, deceitfulness, and impulsivity point to Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). The DSM-5 describes ASPD as a pervasive pattern of disregard for, and violation of, the rights of others. Individuals with ASPD often exhibit a failure to conform to social norms, deceitfulness, impulsivity, irritability, aggression, and a lack of remorse after harming others.


Bateman’s behaviour aligns closely with ASPD:

  • Deceitfulness: Bateman leads a double life, concealing his true nature from everyone around him. He is a master manipulator, using his charm and social status to hide his violent tendencies.

  • Impulsivity and Aggression: Bateman's acts of violence are often impulsive and brutal. He kills with little provocation and shows no remorse afterward.

  • Lack of remorse: Despite his heinous acts, Bateman feels no guilt or regret. Instead, he is indifferent to the suffering he causes.


ASPD provides a more complete picture of Bateman's behaviour, particularly his violent tendencies and lack of moral conscience.


Psychopathy: A Closer Look


While ASPD offers a general framework, psychopathy provides a more nuanced understanding of Bateman's character. Psychopathy is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5 but is often considered a severe form of ASPD. Psychopaths exhibit many of the traits of ASPD but with additional characteristics, such as superficial charm, grandiosity, pathological lying, and a shallow emotional experience.


Bateman’s psychopathy is evident in several ways:

  • Superficial charm: Bateman is charismatic and charming, able to navigate social situations with ease. However, this charm is a façade, masking his true nature.

  • Pathological lying: Bateman frequently lies about his activities and motivations. He constructs elaborate stories to cover up his crimes and maintain his social standing.

  • Shallow emotions: Bateman’s emotions are shallow and fleeting. He struggles to feel genuine happiness, love, or guilt, and his emotional responses are often exaggerated or performative.


Psychopathy also includes a predatory aspect, where individuals view others as objects to be manipulated or destroyed. Bateman's violence is often portrayed as a form of domination, where he exerts control over his victims in a calculated, detached manner.


A Reflection of Society?


Patrick Bateman’s character can also be seen as a critique of the culture in which he exists. The 1980s Wall Street environment, characterized by greed, materialism, and superficiality, may have amplified Bateman's psychopathic tendencies. His violent outbursts and moral decay could be interpreted as a reflection of the dehumanising effects of extreme capitalism and the emptiness of a life focused solely on status and consumption.


The Question of Reality


One of the most intriguing aspects of American Psycho is the ambiguity surrounding Bateman’s actions. The novel and film leave it unclear whether Bateman actually commits the murders or if they are a product of his delusional mind. This uncertainty complicates any diagnosis, as it raises questions about the extent of Bateman's psychosis.

If we consider that Bateman might be hallucinating or delusional, this could indicate a psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia or a severe form of bipolar disorder with psychotic features. However, the ambiguity itself may serve to highlight Bateman's disconnect from reality, whether these acts are real or imagined.


Conclusion


Patrick Bateman is a complex character who embodies many psychological disorders, primarily Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder, with strong elements of psychopathy. His character serves as both a cautionary tale and a mirror to the societal values of his time, making him a fascinating subject for psychological analysis. While his exact diagnosis may remain ambiguous, what is clear is that Bateman represents the extreme consequences of unchecked narcissism, materialism, and a lack of empathy in a world obsessed with wealth and status.


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