Running Header: THE SILVER LINING PLAYBOOK DIAGNOSIS 1
THE SILVER LINING PLAYBOOK
The movie Silver Lining Playbook depicts the story of Patrick Solatano Jr., who is suffering from
bipolar disorder with mood swings and weird thinking brought on by stress. Patrick witnessed
the betrayal and infidelity of his wife, Nikki. This traumatic event sent Patrick to lash out and
physical harm his wife’s adultery partner. In addition to the restraining order put against him,
Patrick was sent to a mental health institution in Boston for eight months. His time was spent
working out and getting in shape. Upon his release, which was against medical advice, Patrick
returns to the home of his parents. The conditions of his release require he take his medication,
attend therapy and abide by the restraining order. At first, Patrick struggles with life outside of
the institution because everyone refuses to talk to him about Nikki, his friends have progressed in
life and his favorite football team keeps losing. Patrick refuses to take his medication because he
doesn’t like the way it makes him feel. Patrick believes his life is a movie created by God and he
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