September 1, 2021
Inspired by his own brother’s struggle with bipolar disorder over many years, Bergner set out to explore the field of psychiatry, where the reliance on often problematic medications has been the main form of treatment for over 40 years — decades with no sign of true progress in the development of psychiatric drugs. The result is a propulsive narrative that combines personal reflection and rich character profiles with deeply researched insights into the science of our brains, the history of how we treat mental illness, and possible alternative forms of treatments.