The Catcher in the Rye

Analyzing Holden Caulfield

A Clinical Diagnosis• You will be given facts about various types of

mental illnesses.• As you know from the opening of the novel,

Holden is in a hospital.• You are a doctor in this hospital, and you have

spent time with Holden (via the novel).• Your task is to prepare a two-page clinical

diagnosis paper.

Your report MUST include:

1. A summary, in your own words, of the mental illness you think Holden suffers from.

2. A detailed explanation of why you feel Holden suffers from this condition with four text examples (quotes) from the novel to support your diagnosis.

3. A recommendation about what medicine he should take.4. A warning about side effects.5. What other treatments (i.e. therapy) you recommend.

Clinical Depression • This is a state of sadness that is so advanced that it disrupts the

daily living of the individual• It is acknowledged by physicians as being more serious than

normal depressed or “feeling blue” feelings• It can be treated with anti depressants, and/or counseling to help

the individual locate the source of the despair or melancholia• Clinical depression will interfere with an individual’s ability to

function socially and to live on one’s own

Bi Polar Disorder • Bi Polar disorder causes dramatic mood swings, which are referred to

as highs and lows• The clinical term for a “high” mood is: a manic episode• The clinical term for a “low” is: a depressive episode• Both have varying symptoms that can range from moderate to severe• Bi Polar disorder is treated with medication to attempt to control the

frequency and intensity of the episodes• Counseling is also recommended

Bi Polar Disorder: Manic Episode

• Patient exhibits restlessness• A patient may initially be very happy, but will quickly become very

irritable • Thoughts are rapid and the patient’s speech will be fast• They will show poor judgment and often indulge in spending sprees• There may be an increase in drug use, such as alcohol or cocaine• Severe episodes may involve overtly aggressive behavior

Bi Polar Disorder: Depressive Episode

• Depressive episodes manifest with feelings of anxiety, sadness, or hopelessness• Patient exhibits a loss of interest in activities, including

sexual activity, and an overall feeling of fatigue• Patient exhibits difficulty with concentrating or recalling

easy facts• There is a change in appetite and a change in sleep

patterns and weight• In a severe case, there are thoughts of suicide, or suicide

has been attempted

Schizophrenia • Individuals who suffer from this disorder may hear voices or see people who are not

really there• Patient may think others are reading their minds or trying to control their actions• Patient believes that people are plotting to harm them• Individual may experience withdrawal from society, or extreme anger or anxiety• They may not make sense when they talk or may talk about unusual or strange topics• They can sit for hours without moving or talking• It is difficult for sufferers to hold a job or care for themselves for any real length of time• It is treated with medication and therapy, but there are always residual symptoms