Psychological diagnosis of Jack Nicholson's character in "As Good As It
             Gets"
             Jack Nicholson's character "Melvin Udall" in the film "As Good As It
             Gets" meets the criteria outlined in the DSM-IV for obsessive-compulsive
             personality disorder (OCD). The character of Melvin demonstrates the high
             needs for order, perfection, and control seen in patients with OCD. Much
             of his time is dominated by getting prepared and organized. Furthermore,
             his over-attention to what seem to most to be minor details prevents Melvin
             from necessarily seeing things from a larger perspective. Also, Melvin
             does not have any meaningful personal relationships, which is also
             characteristic of people with OCD. He wants everyone to cater to his way
             of doing things, and doesn't allow for the give and take necessary for
             friendships. Melvin appears stiff and impossible to others, unable to feel
             any emotions or empathy. Overall he seems not to be happy.
             Melvin's extreme need for order, perfection and obsessive control is
             evident through his varied compulsive behaviors. When Melvin enters his
             apartment, he closes the door and proceeds to turn each lock on his door
             five times. This is obviously an irrational behavior, but Melvin feels it
             is necessary to heed to this routine each and every time his door is opened
             and then closed. Also, while walking down the street as well as within
             buildings, Melvin avoids stepping on cracks in the sidewalk or between
             tiles at all costs. Melvin eats at the same restaurant, at the same table,
             with the same waitress every day. He also orders the exact same meal, and
             becomes very irate if anything in this context does not go according to his
             routine. Melvin also has an unreasonable obsession with cleanliness. Each
             time he washes his hands he uses a brand new bar of soap. In fact, he uses
             a new bar of soap for not only each wa...