Johnny Depp and Amber Heard Case: Spotlight On Rare Personality Disorders

Spread the love

  • The Depp vs. Heard Trial used Amber Heard’s mental health diagnosis as legal evidence.
  • Experts weigh the consequences of such use of confidential diagnosis information for personal gains.

The Johnny Depp vs Amber Heard trial spelled victory for Depp, but he was slapped with $2 million in damages as his lawyers called Heard’s abuse accusations a “hoax.” The trial’s verdict was a turning point for male mental health and victims of domestic abuse—but it had its lows.

It dealt a setback to mental health movements, with many condemning the controversial use of Amber Heard’s mental health diagnosis for legal gains. That said, mental health, personality disorders, and confidentiality issues have received more coverage as a result of the Johnny Depp and Amber Heard case.

Amber Heard’s Mental Health Diagnosis

Throughout the publicized trial, witnesses gave evidence of Heard’s diagnosis with rare personality disorders and substance abuse. However, because this was a case of defamation, Heard’s history of mental health was strategically highlighted to portray her as the aggressor and abuser in the relationship.

In fact, when the psychiatrist, Dr. Shannon Curry, testified to Heard’s overlapping mental disorders—borderline personality disorder (BPD) and histrionic personality disorder (HPD)—she unhelpfully solidified the narrative of the “mad woman” and the practice of “gaslighting” in intimate relationships.

What Is Borderline Personality Disorder?

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness in which a person experiences extreme commitment and abandonment fears, reckless behavior, and unstable relationships.

What Is Histrionic Personality Disorder?

Histrionic personality disorder (HPD) is a rare personality disorder marked by emotional dysfunction and instability, distorted self-image, and extreme attention-seeking.

Controversial Diagnosis, Misuse and Breach of Confidentiality

Heard’s very public diagnosis put the spotlight on both BPD and HPD, but not necessarily for the better. In fact, this ‘sensational’ revelation in open court saw Heard vilified and dubbed as a “narcissist”, “crazy woman”, “liar”, etc. in the media.

Herein, experts have stepped in to acknowledge how controversial it is to use a person’s mental health diagnosis in legal procedures. For many, this “double diagnosis” of Heard’s mental illness was a violation of client confidentiality in mental health treatment. It harmfully showed how a person’s health conditions could be used against his/her for personal interests.

They have also voiced alarm at the way people are invalidating mental health struggles and forgetting that the diagnosis is referenced to understand the person’s psychology and not excuse his/her wrong behavior. At the end of the day, Heard’s mental health struggles do not justify her abuse of Depp. But to target her for suffering from such mental health conditions is wrong.

Know More About –

  1. Histrionic Personality Disorder
  2. Anxiety
  3. Gaslighting
  1. Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
  2. What Is Histrionic Personality Disorder and How To Manage This Intense Need for Attention
  3. Can Men Be Victims Of Domestic Abuse?

Spread the love
  • Science Answers The Age-old Question: “Why Do People Like Villains?”

    Science Answers The Age-old Question: “Why Do People Like Villains?”

    Researchers explored the psychology behind approaching villains in pop-culture.

  • Celebrations Can Benefit Your Mental Health: Study Finds

    Celebrations Can Benefit Your Mental Health: Study Finds

    Research delves into the mental health benefits of celebrations.

  • Why Women Still Do More Household Chores Than Men: Study Reveals

    Why Women Still Do More Household Chores Than Men: Study Reveals

    Researchers apply the “affordance theory” to explain the inequality in…

  • Does Smoking Increase Memory Loss? Surprising Study Results

    Does Smoking Increase Memory Loss? Surprising Study Results

    Research delves into the link between smoking and midlife cognitive…

  • Science Reveals What Comprises “Teacher Expertise”

    Science Reveals What Comprises “Teacher Expertise”

    Research delves into the qualities of exceptional teachers.

  • Should We Fear The Return Of The “Heroin Chic” In Wellness And Fashion?

    Should We Fear The Return Of The “Heroin Chic” In Wellness And Fashion?

    Experts highlight the downsides of the “heroin chic” body and…

  • Study Finds Why People Sleep Least From The Early 30s To 50s

    Study Finds Why People Sleep Least From The Early 30s To 50s

    Research delves into how sleep patterns fluctuate with age.

  • Spare: Surprising Revelations About Prince Harry And Agoraphobia

    Spare: Surprising Revelations About Prince Harry And Agoraphobia

    How the royal tell-all “Spare” sheds light on Britain’s Prince…

  • Music Supports Stroke Rehabilitation: Study Finds

    Music Supports Stroke Rehabilitation: Study Finds

    Research delves into the benefits of singing-based stroke rehabilitation.

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences Lead To Poor Midlife Mental Health: Study

    Adverse Childhood Experiences Lead To Poor Midlife Mental Health: Study

    Research delves into the link between negative childhood experiences and…

  • Buddhism Reduces Risks Of Depression, Surprising Study Finds

    Buddhism Reduces Risks Of Depression, Surprising Study Finds

    Research delves into the mental health benefits of Buddhism.

  • What Is The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Mental Health?

    What Is The Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Mental Health?

    Experts delve into the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in…

  • Aging And Stress: Does Daily Stress Decreases As People Age?

    Aging And Stress: Does Daily Stress Decreases As People Age?

    Research delves into the relationship between aging and stress.

  • Are Prenatal Wellness Classes Beneficial For Moms? Research Reveals

    Are Prenatal Wellness Classes Beneficial For Moms? Research Reveals

    Experts highlight the benefits of prenatal wellness classes.

  • Hearing Is Believing: Can Sounds Alter Our Visual Perceptions?

    Hearing Is Believing: Can Sounds Alter Our Visual Perceptions?

    Research delves into how sounds influence our visual perceptions.

  • The Sandwich Generation Stress: Caring For Kids and Aging Parents

    The Sandwich Generation Stress: Caring For Kids and Aging Parents

    Researchers delve into the intricacies of the “sandwich generation” stress.

  • Introverts And Depression: Are Introverts Prone To Mental Health Issues?

    Introverts And Depression: Are Introverts Prone To Mental Health Issues?

    Research delves into the link between introverts and depression.

  • Pregnant Moms’ Stress Negatively Affects Their Children: Study Finds

    Pregnant Moms’ Stress Negatively Affects Their Children: Study Finds

    Research explored the link between pregnant moms’ stress and their…

  • Did You Know e-Tattoo Can Detect When You’re Stressed Out?

    Did You Know e-Tattoo Can Detect When You’re Stressed Out?

    Research devised a palm e-tattoo that can detect mental distress.

  • Playing The Piano Boosts Brain Health: Study Says

    Playing The Piano Boosts Brain Health: Study Says

    Research explores the mental health benefits of playing the piano.

  • Netflix’s “The Midnight Club” Highlights Teen Mental Health And Terminal Illness

    Netflix’s “The Midnight Club” Highlights Teen Mental Health And Terminal Illness

    How Netflix’s “The Midnight Club” explores teen mental health against…

  • Can Fearlessness Be Taught?

    Can Fearlessness Be Taught?

    Research explores the neural mechanisms behind learning fearlessness.

  • How Trauma Changes The Brain? Research Reveals

    How Trauma Changes The Brain? Research Reveals

    Research delves into how the human brain rewires itself after…

  • The Dangers Of Using Digital Devices As Babysitters

    The Dangers Of Using Digital Devices As Babysitters

    Research delved into the link between children’s screen time and…

  • Can Early Life Trauma Trigger Obesity? Study Finds

    Can Early Life Trauma Trigger Obesity? Study Finds

    Research delved into the link between early life trauma and…

  • City Syndromes: Can Certain Cities Trigger Mental Health Conditions?

    City Syndromes: Can Certain Cities Trigger Mental Health Conditions?

    Research delves into the common but fascinating phenomena of “city…

  • Why The Sound Of Swearing Is Less Offensive Across Different Languages?

    Why The Sound Of Swearing Is Less Offensive Across Different Languages?

    Research explores the sound of swearing across different languages.