Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness

Produced for PBS, this Fred Friendly seminar on mental illness features broadcast journalist Frank Sesno hosting a panel of medical and legal professionals who debate hypothetical scenarios concerning serious conditions such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Two interested parents, Avel Gordly, of the African American Mental Health Commission, and Peter Earley, author of Crazy: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness, also participate. In addition, author Elyn Saks (The Center Cannot Hold), who has chronic schizophrenia, weighs in. In the first example, the group talks about a college student who appears to be going through a manic episode. What should her professor do? Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer says he would express his concern, a move most panelists support; but when he suggests calling her parents, some disagree. The group also consider scenarios in which patients insist they don't need treatment, and a doctor refuses to treat someone because the person doesn't pose a threat to others. The overriding message here is succinctly conveyed by Dr. Arthur Kaplan, who says, “You've got a system of healthcare that isn't particularly attentive to mental illness.” In many cases, patients who don't receive help end up in jail. As Judge Steven Leifman acutely points out, “Judges are much more likely to see [individuals] with mental illness than [are] psychiatrists.” Offering an insightful examination of an ongoing problem, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)