Case Study Analysis of John Forbes Nash, Jr.

Case Study Analysis of John Forbes Nash, Jr.

Brandie Thurman

Abnormal Psychology 410

January 18th, 2014

Marie Cesar

John Forbes Nash, Jr was known to be one of the greatest mathematical geniuses of this time. Despite his constant struggle with schizophrenia, in 1994 he won the Nobel Prize for his contribution to the mathematics of economics (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Nash spent most of his life in what many perceived as a delusional state, but unlike many individuals with schizophrenia, Nash was able has maintained his schizophrenia in complete remission for over 20 years (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Although Nash never had an exact diagnosis; his actions were often said to be bizarre and an extreme exaggerations of normal human behavior led many to speculate his behavior to be typical mannerisms of schizophrenics.

Nash was born in Blue-field, West Virginia, but because his parents did not have the best marriage, his childhood was not the happiest (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Nash was seen as often being socially avoidant, and although he was academically above average he was under achieving (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). Both of Nash’s parents valued hard work, and while his mother was very nurturing his father was emotionally distant (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). While growing up his parents forced him to be socially active, although it was obvious he did not enjoy such involvement and was never completely cooperative as he preferred to be alone. John Nash's history with schizophrenia had no impact on his intellectual brilliance and both began apparent at a very young age. During his middle years, Nash developed out of the ordinary habits such as hurting and touring animals, eating grass, and trying chemically dangerous experiments (Meyer, Chapman & Weaver, 2009). During school teachers reported that Nash had a hard time following directions and often was in a constant daydream...