Psychology of Edvard Munch

His overall functioning level on Axis V would be a conservative 65.
             The DSM-IV criteria for social phobia generalized type, occasionally called social anxiety disorder, is extremely and painful shyness in almost all social situations. (Barlow, Durarnd 1999 p136) Because Munch felt an overwhelming since of being critically judged by his peers, he could not bring himself to attend many of his own art exhibits. His shyness extended within his own family. Although his family loved and supported him, he constantly rejected closeness with them. .
             Schizoid personality disorder is in Cluster A (odd or eccentric) disorder featuring a pervasive pattern of detachment from social relationships and a restricted range of expression or emotions. The DSM-IV explains that not everyone with a schizoid personality disorder is insensitive to the opinions of others; rather, they are just unwilling or unable to express this emotion. For these people, social isolation may be extremely painful (Barlow, Durarnd 1999cp 382). Fellow artist has stated that in one glance Edvard's paintings communicate more than his words ever could. Most who knew him said he only expressed emotions through his craft. However, a friend, Christian Skredsvig, , says when talking about his past Edvard felt sad and uneasy (WWW). .
             Alcohol had been problematic for him since his late teen years. According to reports, however, he did not reach Jellinek's (Barlow, Duran p 347) chronic stage but rather the crucial stage. He was drinking and out of control the night his fingers were shot off. He began to seriously abuse alcohol at age 24. The same year his father passed away. Although his father accepted him, Edvard was very aware of his father's disappointment about him becoming an artist. The relationship between the two had never developed. After his mother died, an aunt more or less raised him. His father's support came merely via money.