A clinical and forensic psychologist who tested Amber Heard and was retained by Johnny Depp’s legal team affirmed that the actress had borderline and histrionic personality disorders, yet not post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Dr. Shannon Curry said in court on day nine of Depp’s defamation trial against Heard, 36, in Fairfax, Virginia, that she was requested to “conduct a psychological examination of Ms. Heard” in October 2021, however was never approached to do so for Depp, 58.
Dr. Curry examined “all the case records,” including Heard’s medical records (including for “mental-health therapy”), audio and video recordings, pictures, and “several witness accounts,” as part of her examination of the Aquaman actress. She stated that she met with Heard “on two distinct days,” December 10 and December 17, 2021, for around 12 hours of absolute face contact.
Forensic Psychologist Diagnoses Amber HeardA forensic psychologist called by Johnny Depp's team diagnosed actress Amber Heard with borderline personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder.
Posted by Law & Crime on Tuesday, 26 April 2022
Dr. Curry added that the evaluation results for Ms. Heard confirmed two diagnoses: borderline personality disorder and histrionic personality disorder.
Dr. Curry also stated that she saw no proof of PTSD in her assessment of Heard, yet added that just because someone doesn’t have PTSD doesn’t imply that they weren’t psychologically hurt by whatever is being claimed — for this situation, Ms. Heard is charging that she was psychologically hurt and that she endured PTSD because of misuse that she claims Mr. Depp caused it.
Borderline personality condition is character by the Mayo Clinic as a mental health issue that affects how you think and feel about yourself and others, creating difficulties in daily functioning . It incorporates concerns with self-image, difficulties controlling feelings and conduct, and a pattern of unstable relationships.
The group continues that you have a strong fear of abandonment or instability if you have borderline personality disorder, and you may find it hard to tolerate being alone. Even if you desire to have loving and long-lasting relationships, improper anger, impulsiveness, and regular mood swings may drive others away.
As per the Mayo Clinic, histrionic personality disorder is characterized by “dramatic, highly emotional, or unexpected thought or conduct.” Dr. Curry testified that persons with the disorder have a tendency to play the “victim” or “princess” role with fictitious stories. It can show as “constantly seeking attention,” “unnecessarily emotional, theatrical, or sexually provocative to get attention,” “speak(ing) passionately with strong ideas, but little facts or information to back them up,” and other behaviors.
Dr. Curry said in court on Tuesday that “there was material that backed” her decisions in her examination of Heard “from various sources,” including a test administered by the psychologist herself and “proof of those diagnoses in her records and in her self-report.”
During questioning, Heard’s counsel questioned the psychologist if she was board certified. Dr. Curry said, “No, she is not.” Before being placed on retainer, the psychologist was also questioned if she had supper and beverages at Depp’s house.
Dr. Curry stated that the meeting was between herself and Depp’s legal team, rather than Depp himself. She also stated that it was not her responsibility to analyze Depp in this issue. “Don’t you think it’s strange that you’re being interrogated by Mr. Depp to decide whether you’re going to testify adversely against Amber Heard?” the actress’s attorney said, to which Dr. Curry replied that she was examined by the legal team.
Depp is suing Heard for defamation in connection with a 2018 op-ed she penned for the Washington Post on surviving domestic abuse, despite the fact that she never referenced Depp by name in the essay. The $50 million lawsuit was first filed in March 2019 by the Pirates of the Caribbean star.
During opening comments earlier this month, Heard’s attorney, Ben Rottenborn, stated that proof will prove that Depp subjected her to domestic abuse that “took many forms,” including physical, emotional, mental, and psychological assault, as well as “sexual violence at the hands of Depp.” Depp’s spokeswoman dismisses the charges, calling them “imaginary.”
Depp lost his widely publicized U.K. defamation court case against British newspaper The Sun in November 2020 for branding him a “wife-beater.” The court found the outlet’s allegations to be “considerably truthful,” and Heard testified to support them. His appeal to reverse the judgement was rejected in March 2021.
Heard has not yet testified in this case.
