Why did Daenerys go mad when she heard the Bells?
Patient Name: Daenerys Targaryen
DOB: Unknown
Psychiatrist: Dr. Socrates
Subjective: The patient, Daenerys Targaryen, has a complex personal history marked by significant losses, trauma, and the pursuit of power. She recently exhibited a drastic change in behavior upon hearing the bells of surrender in King's Landing, resulting in an unexpected and devastating display of violence against the city and its inhabitants.
Objective: Over the course of numerous therapy sessions, I conducted a thorough assessment of the patient's mental state and explored the contributing factors that may have led to her sudden decline in mental health.
Assessment: Daenerys Targaryen's background includes multiple traumatic experiences, such as witnessing the death of her family, being sold into marriage, and enduring physical and emotional abuse. These experiences have contributed to a complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) diagnosis. Additionally, the patient exhibits symptoms consistent with borderline personality disorder (BPD), such as unstable relationships, a pervasive fear of abandonment, and intense mood fluctuations.
Key factors that may have contributed to her sudden display of aggression and violence include:
Loss and grief: Daenerys experienced a series of devastating losses in a relatively short period, including the deaths of her closest friends and advisors, her dragon Rhaegal, and the betrayal of her lover and nephew, Jon Snow. These events likely exacerbated her feelings of isolation, grief, and paranoia.
Fear of abandonment and betrayal: Daenerys' traumatic past and symptoms of BPD have fostered a deep-seated fear of abandonment and betrayal. Upon learning that Jon Snow had a legitimate claim to the Iron Throne and witnessing his growing popularity, she may have felt threatened, leading her to act impulsively and aggressively to secure her position of power.
Power and control: Daenerys' pursuit of power, driven by her belief in her divine right to rule and her goal of "breaking the wheel," may have blurred her moral judgment. The bells of surrender could have been interpreted as a challenge to her authority, triggering her violent response.
Delusions of grandeur: Daenerys displayed increasingly grandiose beliefs about her destiny and her role as a liberator. These beliefs may have contributed to a sense of invulnerability and a lack of empathy for the people of King's Landing.
Plan: Considering the severity of Daenerys Targaryen's mental health issues and her potential risk to herself and others, a comprehensive treatment plan is recommended. This includes:
Individual psychotherapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to address symptoms of C-PTSD and BPD, respectively. This may help her develop healthier coping mechanisms, enhance emotional regulation, and improve interpersonal relationships.
Group therapy: Participation in group therapy sessions to foster social support and improve communication skills.
Medication management: A psychiatric evaluation to determine whether medication, such as mood stabilizers or anti-anxiety medication, could help manage her symptoms.
Ongoing monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Support network: Encouraging Daenerys to build a strong support network to help her cope with stress, loss, and feelings of isolation.
