651 - Psychological Disorders

No one needs therapy more than a psychologist...I mean, a psychologist's patient. Learn how to talk about common psychological disorders in English in this episode.
Slow dialogue: 1:17
Explanations: 3:42
Fast dialogue: 16:05
Brett: Hi, Dr. Mollie. Could I speak to you for a few minutes?
Dr. Mollie: Certainly. Have a seat.
Brett: I’m really enjoying your psychology class and I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions.
Dr. Mollie: Sure, go ahead.
Brett: Well, I have a friend who is nervous all the time, especially around other people. Could he have a serious problem?
Dr. Mollie: It’s hard to say without knowing your friend, but he may have an anxiety disorder or some type of phobia.
Brett: I was afraid of that. Well, I have another friend who has mood swings all the time and washes his hands 50 times a day.
Dr. Mollie: Again, I don’t know your friend so it’s hard to make a diagnosis, but he may have a bipolar disorder and may also be obsessive-compulsive.
Brett: That sounds really serious. Well, I have another friend who doesn’t eat and sits around all day playing with fire. That’s bad, isn’t it?
Dr. Mollie: It could be. Your friend may have an eating disorder and his interest in fire may indicate that he has pyromania, but it’s very hard to say.
Brett: Did I mention that he likes to steal things, too?
Dr. Mollie: People who feel compelled to steal may have kleptomania. Who are all of these friends you’re talking about? Do I know them?
Brett: No, definitely not.
Dr. Mollie: Hmm, would your “friends” like to make an appointment with a therapist? It sounds like it may be a good idea.
Brett: No, no. My “friends” wouldn’t like that. He has a real fear of doctors.
Script by Dr. Lucy Tse