Mind Over Matter Trivia Quiz

Answer: Carrie Mathison

The drama "Homeland" broke new ground by depicting a protagonist with a mental disorder. CIA operative Carrie Mathison was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a debilitating disorder. While we are shown psychotic episodes, it is also apparent that she can function in an extremely dangerous job, and the disorder does not define her.

Answer: Adrian Monk

Due to his obsessive compulsive disorder, Adrian Monk is often called "the defective detective" on the comedy/crime show "Monk". While the former San Francisco detective is greatly hampered by his OCD and his many phobias, e.g., milk, he can still see things that most people miss and solve complicated crimes. He is both frustrating and amazing to watch. BTW, his brother is agoraphobic.

Answer: Tara Gregson

From "United States of Tara", we find Tara Gregson who has been diagnosed with DID, also known as Multiple Personality Disorder. Despite her illness, Tara is a professional woman with a husband and family. Her family stands by her as she decides to stop taking her medication and attempts to unite her "alters" to arrange for their peaceful co-existence.

Answer: Abed Nadir

Although Abed Nadir from "Community" is never officially diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, his symptoms seem to confirm it. His lack of facial expression, inability to make eye contact, flat affect, lack of empathy and comprehensive expertise in specific topics make him a poster child for this issue. Asperger's syndrome is often considered a "high functioning" aspect of autism.

Answer: Jessica Jones

A former superhero from the Marvel universe, we have the eponymous protagonist Jessica Jones (i.e., from "Jessica Jones"). Having been raped and controlled by a evil villain, Jessica tries to rebuild her life as a private investigator in New York City. We are shown the devastating effects of her trauma and the resulting PTSD. Yet she is somehow still able to function despite battling the monsters in the streets and the ones from within.

Answer: Shawn Spencer

The comedy/crime show "Psych" is kind of an acquired taste. The strange premise involves Shawn Spencer using his powers of observation to con people into thinking he has psychic powers. He is so good at the con that he is hired by the Santa Barbara police.

His ADHD, though not officially diagnosed, manifests itself in his excitability, fidgeting, impulsivity, lack of restraint, repetition and short attention span.

Answer: Bonnie Plunkett

For the issue of addiction, I had many TV characters to choose from. I decided on Bonnie Plunkett from "Mom" because it shows her never-ending battle to fight her need for alcohol and drugs. Done in a comic and compassionate way, we see Bonnie as a recovering alcoholic, her recidivism and her recommitment to sobriety by continuing to go to meetings.

Answer: Shaun Murphy

Dr. Shaun Murphy, from "The Good Doctor", gives us insight into autism and its isolation, while also depicting how this debilitating issue does not necessarily mean you cannot function in society. Shaun is a savant with autism (think "Rain Man" with a medical degree) who joins a surgical unit at a prestigious hospital.

Although unable to personally connect with those around him, he is still able to use his skills to save people's lives.

Answer: Karen Walker

It seems that quite a number of TV characters suffer from narcissism, although none of them seem troubled by it. I chose Karen Walker from "Will and Grace" because, of the four narcissistic main characters, she is the absolute queen. While this rich socialite drinks heavily and pops pills, her potential addictions are overshadowed by the fact that she doesn't give a damn about anyone but herself.

She is totally unsympathetic to the problems of others, and connects with them through her biting sarcasm.

Answer: Randall Pearson

The wonderful show "This Is Us" depicts two loving parents who produce three good kids, all of whom have emotional difficulties. While we see Kate's obesity and Kevin's alcoholism at the forefront, Randall Pearson may quietly be the most damaged. Scheduled to go to his brother's event, Randall suffers a panic attack so severe he has to cancel.

He winds up sitting on the floor of his office displaying all the symptoms, i.e., blurry vision, tears and inability to move. He even confides in his foster daughter about his previous nervous breakdowns.