Mysteries of Mental Illness

Examine ancient conceptions of mental illness and the establishment of psychiatry. Hear contemporary stories of people living with mental illness, including an aspiring astrophysicist with schizophrenia and an Olympics-bound boxer with OCD.

Trace efforts to develop guidelines for diagnosing mental illness rooted in empirical science rather than dogma. Explore how science and societal factors are deeply entwined with shifting definitions of mental health and mental illness.

Follow the origin and downfall of mental asylums in the U.S. Glimpse inside Cook County prison, the nation’s largest unintended mental health facility, meet the detainees in their care, and see the challenges they face both inside and out.

Explore today’s most cutting-edge treatments, based on the latest understanding of mental illness, through profiles of patients undergoing deep brain stimulation surgery, infusions of ketamine and modern electro-convulsive therapy.