Seven renowned researchers provide real-world examples of the relevance of Theory of Knowledge (TOK) concepts in their research. This interdisciplinary TOK Sampler explores different aspects of the Human Sciences as an area of...

In 1968, a news report highlighting the alarming conditions at Pennhurst revealed that the state spent less on resources for its residents than some zoos do on animals. The shocking revelations, captured by a reporter who gained access...

Former residents of Pennhurst have moved on with their lives in the last decades and have varying views on their time at the institution. A year after leaving, Bettina found her mother who apologized for the past, but Bettina reassured...

Many residents at Pennhurst never should have been there, such as a boy admitted for mispronouncing "spoon" and having one seizure, or a woman placed there due to severe burns. Others included non-disabled individuals from Philadelphia...

At Pennhurst, a few aides were responsible for wards with 50-60 residents, making them reliant on residents they called "work boys" for help. These residents worked long hours performing tasks like cleaning, shaving, and kitchen...

In this video, former residents and employees describe how meals for residents of Pennhurst were unappetizingly mixed in a single bowl and they had only 10 minutes to eat. It mentions severe sanitation issues, including the presence of...

The closure of Pennhurst took almost a decade, from 1978 until its final closure in 1987. Despite initial hopes for a smooth transition to community-based care, the community was unprepared, leading to inadequate support and resources...

The Pennhurst case was filed on May 30, 1974, by David Ferleger, who believed it would be resolved quickly due to the evident harm suffered by residents. Initially, the goal was to improve Pennhurst, but it evolved into a movement to...

While Pennhurst had some dedicated doctors and staff, medical care quality varied significantly. Residents had limited access to specialists, and routine care often fell short. Additionally, the institution heavily relied on medication...

This clip recounts the harrowing experiences of several individuals who were placed in the Pennhurst State School. It highlights stories of neglect, abuse, and separation from families due to societal inability to care for individuals...

This introduction to the series about the Pennhurst mental health facility, former residents, professionals, and parents discuss the historical and ongoing challenges in treating and integrating individuals with mental differences....

Mental health is a significant public health issue that encompasses a range of disorders, each impacting individuals and communities in diverse ways. Schizophrenia and other thought disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders like...

Hear from some of the volunteers and employees who worked at the Pennhurst facility. They recount moments of care and connection with residents as well as struggles they faced. With few employees compared to the number of patients at...

Residents at Pennhurst faced severe threats of punishment and abuse if they misbehaved, including being sent to harsher wards and placed in shackles or straitjackets. Punitive measures often involved degrading them among their peers,...

Although originally designed to be used to treat psychiatric illnesses, LSD became a mainstream drug in the 1950s and '60s. What are the short and long-term effects of its use? Biology - Healthy Living - LSD is a hallucinogenic drug. LSD...

Cannabis is a controversial drug: there are debates around its production, legal status and use. What are the facts behind the use of this drug, and how safe or dangerous is it? Biology - Healthy Living - Cannabis is a mild sedative and...

Abnormal Psychology is an important branch of psychology and psychopathology.

We hear the terms 'abnormal' on a regular basis. People are branded as abnormal all the time. It is therefore important for understand what normal and...

Studies indicate that 1 in 5 Americans always or often feel lonely or socially isolated. The overall impact of loneliness on mental wellness is still being determined, however researchers suggest the risk effects of loneliness, isolation...

Did you know there’s a blood test that can detect your risk of depression? why aren’t we using it? Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders, with 1 in every 6 adults experiencing it at some point in their lives. And...

This video emphasizes the importance of a better understanding and acceptance of psychotic conditions through scientific advancements, education, and combating stigma. It highlights the value of early identification, comprehensive...

This video explores the potential advantages of psychotic experiences, such as enhanced creativity and the capacity for deep introspection. For Dara Sanandaji, this introspection led to profound personal growth, a renewed sense of...

Dara Sanandaji's life with bipolar disorder encouraged him to become more introspective and to guide his own approach to dealing with mental illness. Despite the challenges, Dara's dedication to self-improvement and learning from his...

While many drugs are available to treat bipolar disorder and psychotic symptoms, finding the right medication often involves trial and error, with treatments primarily managing symptoms rather than curing the condition. Lithium remains...

Psychiatric conditions like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia are diagnosed based on observed or reported symptoms, not through biological tests or brain imaging. This leads to a classification of syndromes rather than specific...