From an early age, Joe didn't learn how to develop a positive attachment style due to his abandonment and mistreatment, which led to the development of narcissism, antisocial personality disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Released earlier in February, the new season of Netflix's 'You' has once again got fans talking about protagonist Joe Goldberg's condition – erotomania. Goldberg, a character played by actor Penn Badgley, is a bookstore manager who has a delusional obsession with a new woman each season.
“Joe can be quite a heartthrob for many women. Who wouldn't want this adorable, unassuming, book nerd who is willing to do anything, even kill for his lover? But the reality can be quite different. What Joe has is what is known as an obsessive attachment style or obsessive love disorder.
Joe is somebody who has a combination of antisocial personality disorder traits and also borderline personality disorder traits.
Early life. At the story's outset, it is revealed that Joe was orphaned at a young age. From flashbacks, it is revealed that Joe's biological mother, Sandy (Magda Apanowicz) was abused by his biological father and that he was subjected to neglect and abuse by his father.
Abandonment Issues
As a child, Joe's abandoned by his mother and placed into foster care after he kills his mother's boyfriend, an abusive partner. Later in the series, another flashback shows Joe's last encounter with his mother, where she is accompanied by a young boy.
That's further complicated by Love's trajectory throughout the season. Seen mostly through Joe's first-person perspective as a lovable, if not a bit naïve, young woman longing for love after experiencing her own trauma, she is revealed to be suffering from severe PTSD.
Kelly Scott, a therapist at Tribeca Therapy, told the publication that Joe exhibits symptoms of both antisocial personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder (presumably among other more sinister conditions).
During season four, it becomes clear Joe has developed split personality disorder, which is why he always thinks he is killing for good, can't remember some of the times he's killed people, and when he is killing people, loses all control.
Joe Goldberg (INFJ)
He has a combination of strong morals, idealisms and a focus on the future. Joe has a unique ability to come up with carefully considered plans and take steps to bring what he THINKS is a positive change to people's lives.
That particular true love? Love Quinn, Joe's better half for Season 2 and 3, played by the amazing Victoria Pedretti. Unfortunately for Joe, he completely rejected Love when it turned out that she was perfect for him—meaning she was also a manipulative murderer with a huge ego and a short temper.
In stark contrast from You season 1's Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), You season 2's Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti), and You season 3's Marienne (Tati Gabrielle), You season 4 chooses Rhys Montrose (Ed Speelers), a London mayoral aspirant, as Joe Goldberg's new obsession.
Joe Goldberg is extremely attracted to people's vulnerabilities: Beck has many. Beck is a struggling writer; she can barely afford her rent, and she is surrounded by shallow people.
Scott did say, though, that the closest clinical diagnosis to a "psychopath" or "sociopath" is antisocial personality disorder, and that Goldberg does indeed show some hallmark traits of the disorder. He also demonstrates characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder, experts say.
It comes down to the empathy that Joe evokes, according to Neo. "Empathy is really about how we are compelled to understand why things are the way they are. And we try to do that for other people, especially if we are very understanding of other people. So when we have empathy for someone, it hooks us in."
Rhys was a projection of Joe's dark side throughout You season 4. The actual Rhys was a seemingly innocent and kind man. However, his affiliation with politics made him the perfect person for Joe to frame.
It seems all that killing and head trauma finally led Joe to a psychotic break. And now, there's no limit to what Joe (and Rhys) can do. EW spoke with You showrunner Sera Gamble about the twist and what it means for (a potential) season 5.
Abstract. Erotomania is an uncommon form of delusional disorder in which an individual has an unfounded belief that another is in love with him. Previous case reports have shown that social media networks may play a role in worsening delusional beliefs.
1 Anton Chigurh — No Country for Old Men
Of over 120 movie psychopaths observed, psychiatrists have deduced that the most by far realistic portrayal of a psychopath is Javier Bardem's portrayal as the cold and calculating Anton Chigurh in No Country For Old Men.
As a stalker/serial killer, Joe repenting for his felonies and living out his guilt is the least he could do without being caught and punished by the law.
Outside of the typical narcissist's cycle, Joe exhibits numerous other classic traits of the personality disorder. He is willing to be whatever his love interest wants him to be and can instantly morph into someone else. He consistently mirrors others, is fake, and is entirely self-serving even with his own child.
Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg who has erotomania in the Netflix hit 'You'. (Image: pennbadgley/Instagram) Erotomania is a rare and often misunderstood psychiatric disorder characterized by a delusional belief that someone is in love with the affected person.
She says that she had become somewhat obsessed with Joe herself and had used her parents PI to look into him after Candace left.
Early life. She is a member of the rich and powerful Quinn family, being the daughter of Ray and Dottie Quinn, and twin sister of Forty Quinn. She has a close bond with her brother, and the two were abused by their parents in their youth.