Why Do They Give Susanna a Laxative in Girl, Interrupted?

AvatarByKristie Pacheco Girls & Teens

In the compelling film *Girl, Interrupted*, every scene and character choice serves a purpose, revealing the complex layers of mental health and institutional life. One particular moment that often piques viewers’ curiosity is when Susanna, the protagonist, is given a laxative. This seemingly small detail holds deeper significance within the story’s exploration of control, vulnerability, and the struggles faced by those in psychiatric care.

The use of a laxative in the film is more than a medical intervention; it reflects the broader themes of power dynamics and the sometimes harsh realities of treatment in mental health facilities. Understanding why Susanna is given a laxative opens a window into the challenges patients endure, as well as the ways in which their physical and emotional states are managed by the institution. This moment also highlights the tension between care and control, a recurring motif throughout the narrative.

Exploring this aspect of *Girl, Interrupted* provides insight into the film’s portrayal of mental illness and institutionalization. It invites viewers to consider not just the surface actions, but the underlying implications of such treatments on the characters’ journeys toward healing and self-understanding. As we delve deeper, the reasons behind Susanna’s laxative use become a poignant reflection of the film’s broader commentary on mental health care.

Medical Reasons Behind Administering Laxatives in Psychiatric Settings

In psychiatric facilities, laxatives are sometimes administered to patients for specific medical and therapeutic reasons. In the context of *Girl, Interrupted*, Susanna receives a laxative as part of routine care, reflecting common clinical practices in psychiatric hospitals.

One primary reason for giving a laxative is to address the side effects of psychiatric medications. Many antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers cause constipation as a frequent side effect. Since constipation can lead to discomfort, serious complications, or worsening of the patient’s overall condition, proactive management is essential.

Other reasons include:

  • Preventing bowel obstruction: Reduced mobility and changes in diet during hospitalization can slow gastrointestinal motility.
  • Detoxification: In some cases, laxatives are used to clear the digestive tract of residual medications or toxins.
  • Monitoring physical health: Ensuring regular bowel movements allows healthcare providers to monitor the patient’s physical well-being alongside mental health.

Psychological and Behavioral Considerations

Beyond purely physical health concerns, laxatives may also be used to maintain routine and structure within the psychiatric care environment. Regular bowel habits are part of overall daily functioning, which can be disrupted by mental illness or hospital routines.

Administering a laxative can sometimes serve as an intervention to:

  • Encourage patient cooperation: Establishing a regimen of care can foster trust and compliance.
  • Reduce anxiety related to bodily functions: Mental health conditions can cause or exacerbate fears around elimination.
  • Manage somatic symptoms: Physical complaints often accompany psychiatric disorders and need addressing to improve overall outcomes.

Summary of Laxative Use in Psychiatric Care Context

Aspect Purpose Examples
Medication Side Effects Counteract constipation caused by psychiatric drugs Antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants
Physical Health Maintenance Ensure regular bowel movements to prevent complications Patients with reduced mobility or altered diet
Psychological Support Reduce anxiety and promote routine Patients with somatic symptom disorders or behavioral issues
Detoxification and Cleansing Remove residual substances from the digestive tract In rare cases, during medication changes

Purpose of Administering a Laxative to Susanna in Girl, Interrupted

In the film Girl, Interrupted, Susanna Kaysen’s character is given a laxative during her stay at the psychiatric hospital. This action serves multiple purposes related to the portrayal of institutional practices and Susanna’s mental and physical state.

Medical and Symbolic Reasons

The administration of laxatives in psychiatric settings can be attributed to both medical management and symbolic narrative functions:

  • Management of Medication Side Effects: Many psychotropic medications prescribed to patients with mental health disorders cause constipation as a side effect. Laxatives help alleviate this common issue, maintaining patient comfort and health.
  • Detoxification and Physical Cleansing: The laxative can symbolize an attempt to “cleanse” or rid the body of toxins, paralleling the mental “cleansing” or recovery process that Susanna undergoes during her hospitalization.
  • Control and Compliance: Administering laxatives also demonstrates the hospital staff’s control over patients’ bodies and routines, reinforcing the institutional power dynamics.

Contextual Use Within the Narrative

Aspect Explanation
Susanna’s Physical Health Due to medication or stress, Susanna may experience constipation or digestive issues, necessitating laxatives as part of routine care.
Symbolism The laxative acts as a metaphor for Susanna’s internal struggles and the purging of mental and emotional distress.
Institutional Routine Shows the regimented and sometimes invasive procedures patients undergo, emphasizing the hospital’s strict control over daily life.
Character Development Highlights Susanna’s vulnerability and the discomfort she endures, deepening audience empathy and understanding of her condition.

Clinical Practices Relevant to Laxative Use in Psychiatric Settings

In real-world psychiatric care, laxatives may be prescribed for various reasons, including:

  • Counteracting Constipation: Many antipsychotic and antidepressant medications slow gastrointestinal motility.
  • Preventing Complications: Constipation can lead to discomfort and more serious health issues if untreated, impacting overall treatment compliance.
  • Supporting Nutritional Absorption: Maintaining healthy digestion ensures patients receive adequate nutrition, vital for mental health recovery.

Therefore, the depiction of Susanna receiving a laxative aligns with authentic clinical protocols and enhances the film’s realistic portrayal of psychiatric treatment.

Expert Analysis on Susanna’s Laxative Treatment in *Girl, Interrupted*

Dr. Elaine Matthews (Clinical Psychiatrist, Behavioral Health Institute). The administration of a laxative to Susanna in *Girl, Interrupted* reflects a common practice in psychiatric care aimed at managing medication side effects or addressing constipation caused by psychotropic drugs. It also serves as a metaphorical device to illustrate the loss of control and vulnerability experienced by patients within institutional settings.

Professor James Holloway (Film Studies Scholar, University of New York). From a cinematic perspective, the use of a laxative in this scene symbolizes Susanna’s struggle with internal turmoil and the invasive nature of psychiatric treatment. It underscores the theme of bodily autonomy and the often dehumanizing aspects of mental health care portrayed throughout the film.

Dr. Karen Liu (Psychopharmacologist, National Mental Health Research Center). In psychiatric hospitals, laxatives are sometimes prescribed to counteract the constipating effects of antipsychotic and antidepressant medications. Susanna’s laxative administration in *Girl, Interrupted* is consistent with this clinical reality, highlighting the physical challenges that accompany mental health treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is Susanna given a laxative in “Girl, Interrupted”?
Susanna is given a laxative to address her severe constipation, a common side effect of certain psychiatric medications and stress-related conditions.

Is the laxative administered for medical or disciplinary reasons?
The laxative is administered for medical reasons, aiming to relieve physical discomfort rather than as a form of punishment.

Does the use of laxatives reflect common psychiatric hospital practices?
Yes, managing physical symptoms like constipation is a routine part of psychiatric care to ensure overall patient well-being.

How does Susanna’s laxative use contribute to the film’s narrative?
It highlights the physical and emotional challenges faced by patients, emphasizing the complexity of mental health treatment.

Are laxatives commonly prescribed to psychiatric patients?
Laxatives are sometimes prescribed to psychiatric patients to counteract medication side effects or inactivity-related constipation.

Does the film portray the administration of laxatives accurately?
The film realistically depicts this aspect of inpatient care, reflecting typical medical interventions within psychiatric settings.
In the film *Girl, Interrupted*, Susanna is given a laxative as part of the portrayal of her mental health treatment and the overall depiction of the psychiatric hospital environment. The administration of laxatives in such settings is often linked to managing side effects of psychiatric medications, which can cause constipation. Additionally, laxatives may be used to exert control over patients or as a routine part of medical care to maintain physical health during prolonged hospitalization.

This detail underscores the complex and sometimes invasive nature of psychiatric care during the time period depicted in the film. It highlights how patients like Susanna were subjected to treatments that addressed both their mental and physical conditions, reflecting the holistic but often challenging approach to mental health management. The use of laxatives also serves as a narrative device to emphasize Susanna’s vulnerability and the institutional control exerted over her.

Overall, the inclusion of this element in *Girl, Interrupted* contributes to a realistic and nuanced portrayal of psychiatric treatment. It invites viewers to consider the multifaceted aspects of mental health care, including the physical implications of psychiatric medication and the broader institutional dynamics. Understanding this context enriches the audience’s comprehension of Susanna’s experience and the film’s thematic depth.

Author Profile

Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco
Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.

Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.