Cinema and television have always been fascinated with psychology, yet, when it comes to portraying mental disorders, dramatic effect often takes precedence over clinical reality. Shyamalan’s Split (2016) or Phillips’ Joker (2019) are striking examples. These films captivate audiences but fail to accurately represent the complex reality of mental illness. So, what is the gap between what the media shows and what the science says?
What We See on Screen
Research consistently shows that mental disorders are portrayed in film and television as synonymous with violence, danger, and unpredictability. For instance, Stout et al. (2012) analysed 41 films depicting schizophrenia and found that most characters were shown as aggressive or frightening. Similarly, the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative (2021) reported that characters with mental health conditions are not only underrepresented but also disproportionately linked to violence or negative stereotypes.
In these portrayals, symptoms are exaggerated, causes are misrepresented, and treatment is either absent or turned into a caricature for dramatic effect.
What Clinical Reality Tells Us
The scientific evidence paints a very different picture:
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Violence: Contrary to popular belief, people with conditions such as schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder are far more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators (Brand et al., 2016).
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Prevalence: According to the World Health Organization, one in four people worldwide will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime. Yet, on screen, the reality of these conditions is both underrepresented and distorted (Pirkis et al., 2006).
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Treatment: With therapy, medication, and supportive interventions, many individuals with mental illness lead functional and fulfilling lives. But in films, stories often focus on the “incurable” or tragic aspects, reinforcing hopelessness.
Why Misrepresentation Matters
Inaccurate portrayals are not just artistic choices; they have real consequences:
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Stigma: Viewers may perceive individuals with mental illness as dangerous, unstable, or fundamentally different.
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Help-seeking behaviour: Misleading depictions can discourage people from pursuing therapy or psychiatric care, out of fear of being labelled (Pirkis et al., 2006).
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Internalized stigma: Individuals with mental health conditions may identify with the negative portrayals they see, which can harm self-esteem and recovery.
What Media Could Do Better
The good news is that responsible media representation can reduce stigma and increase empathy. Studies show that accurate, nuanced portrayals foster understanding rather than fear. How can media improve?
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Consult professionals: Involving psychologists and psychiatrists in writing and production.
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Show diversity: Represent people with mental illness as complex individuals, not just stereotypes.
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Highlight treatment: Portray therapy, medication, and recovery as part of the narrative.
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Avoid equating illness with violence: Not every depiction needs to link mental illness to criminality or danger.
Conclusion
Media is powerful. Films and television shape public perceptions of mental health more than most scientific texts ever will. But too often, that power is used to shock rather than to educate. The truth is clear: mental disorders are part of human life, treatable, and lived by people who contribute meaningfully to society.
As creators and audiences, our task is to distinguish between fiction and fact, and to demand more accurate, humane portrayals. Because while movie characters may be fictional, the stigma they create affects very real people.
References
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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). DSM-5.
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Brand, B. L., Sar, V., Stavropoulos, P., & Krüger, C. (2016). Separating fact from fiction: An empirical examination of DID. Harvard Review of Psychiatry.
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Pirkis, J., Blood, R. W., Francis, C., & McCallum, K. (2006). On-screen portrayals of mental illness. Journal of Health Communication.
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Stout, P. A., Villegas, J., & Jennings, N. A. (2012). Portrayals of schizophrenia by entertainment media. Psychiatric Services.
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USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative. (2021). Media Misses the Mark on Mental Health Conditions.