Is Daenerys Targaryen Bipolar? An In-Depth Analysis

When discussing the complex character of Daenerys Targaryen from the popular TV series Game of Thrones, viewers often bring up the topic of her mental state, particularly whether she could be diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. However, the diagnosis of a fictional character requires nuanced consideration, and the application of real-world mental health conditions to literary works is a complex task. In this article, we analyse her traits and behaviors to determine if she fits the criteria for Bipolar Disorder or if the portrayal is more a result of poor writing and narrative planning.

Terminology and Diagnosing In Fiction

Fictional characters, especially those from broadly open settings without a modern understanding of mental health, are not subject to real-world diagnoses like Bipolar Disorder. This is particularly true for characters in medieval fantasy settings like Westeros, where concepts like mental health diagnoses as we know them today simply do not exist. George R.R. Martin, the author, and the creators of the show Game of Thrones, did not set out to diagnose Daenerys with any particular mental condition. Instead, Daenerys’s behavior is a product of her fictional world and personal journey.

Why Conspiracy Theories About Daenerys’ Mental State Are Flawed

Many fans propose that Daenerys shows signs of Bipolar Disorder due to her erratic and often violent behavior. However, these theories are based on amateur psychology. Mental health diagnoses require a deep understanding of the subject, and basing a diagnosis on a fictional character is problematic, especially when that character is complex and influenced by numerous narrative elements. People who aren’t mental health experts nor have lived experience or professional knowledge should refrain from making uninformed and potentially harmful assumptions about the mental state of fictional characters.

Detailed Analysis of Daenerys Targaryen and Bipolar Disorder

Let’s delve into the two main components of Bipolar Disorder: Mania and Depression, and analyze which apply to Daenerys.

Manic Symptoms

Mania is characterized by elevated or irritable mood, increased energy, and hyperactivity. Key signs include:

Abnormally upbeat, jumpy, or wired: We never see Daenerys in a clearly euphoric state, though she does show excitement and zeal, especially with her dragons. Increased activity, energy, or agitation: Daenerys shows increased activity only in season 7 and 8, when her plans fall apart and she faces future instability as a queen. Exaggerated sense of well-being or self-confidence: She thinks her dragons are invincible and can accomplish great things, but this isn’t an unrealistic or blind self-confidence. Decreased need for sleep: Not addressed in the show. Unusual talkativeness: Not shown. Racing thoughts: Evidence exists when she contemplates destroying King’s Landing, but this is not habitual. Distractibility: She is highly focused on her goals. Poor decision-making: Strategic and tactical mistakes can be attributed to her advisors and complex narrative challenges rather than lack of mental stability.

Depressive Symptoms

Depression involves feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and significant weight changes. Key signs include:

Depressed mood such as feeling sad, empty, or hopeless: Rarely seen in Daenerys, though she can be distraught. When Missandei is killed, she is distressed but shows anger. Decreased interest in activities: She maintains friends, a lover, and pets, indicating no loss of interest. Loss of appetite or increase in appetite: Not addressed in the show. Insomnia or sleeping too much: Not addressed in the show. Restlessness or slowed behavior: Not shown. Loss of energy: Only shown during mourning. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt: Not evident when Missandei, Viserion, or the fallen child is killed. Indecisiveness: Not a consistent trait in her decisions. Thoughts of death or suicide: There is no strong evidence of this in the show.

Conclusion: Daenerys Targaryen and Other Mental Illnesses

While Daenerys exhibits some traits that could be associated with manic behavior, she does not consistently display depressive symptoms. The portrayal of her erratic behavior is more a result of the narrative challenges the writers faced, particularly the abrupt end of the show with two shortened seasons. Additionally, many of her attributes are understandable within the context of power, righteousness, and mission-driven characters. It would be more accurate to consider her traits as aligned with other mental conditions, such as Potential Narcissism, Ego Inflation, or War Trauma Anxiety.

It’s crucial to approach the analysis of characters in fiction with a nuanced perspective, considering the narrative context and avoiding amateur psychological diagnoses. This way, we can appreciate the complexity of Daenerys Targaryen beyond oversimplified and often harmful stereotyping.