Home > Science Seminar > Fall 2006 Seminar Schedule > Mad in America

The Science Seminar Series: September 14, 2006 4pm

Mad in America

Bob Whitaker

 
Powell Hall Auditorium

 Time: 4:00 - 5:00pm

 

Abstract

We like to think that our society has made great strides in treating the seriously mentally ill. But consider this: The World Health Organization has twice found that outcomes for people diagnosed with schizophrenia are much better in the poor countries of the world than in the U.S. and other rich countries. Why should that be so? A history of our country’s treatment of the mentally ill provides a disturbing—and surprising—answer to that question. This talk will focus on that history, and briefly address some of the difficulties in researching and writing Mad in America.