Mental Health by The National Library of Medicine

Case Study of Multiple Personality (C. C. Wholey, 1923)

This film records a case of multiple personality. A woman (Mrs. X) regresses to a childhood state (Susie). She also has another, less well-developed secondary personality (Jack). Later, in response to the death of her parish priest, Mrs. X goes into a trance state for 24 hours and emerges as a baby with a mental age of about one year. The patient is seen at a family picnic, and later, as Susie, writing down answers to questions. There appears to be a struggle between Susie and Jack, and when Jack appears, he exhibits male posture and handshake. Mrs.

Booked for Safekeeping (Louisiana Association for Mental Health, 1959)

This film was made to show policemen proper procedures for handling mentally disturbed citizens who are causing harm to themselves or others in public. Demonstrations include work with the mentally challenged, spousal abusers, suicidal citizens, and those with senile dementia. The film stresses working with partners or with teams to best handle a volatile situation. Learn more about this film and search its transcript at NLM Digital Collections: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/9717200.

And I'll Talk to You Tomorrow (Los Angeles County Medical Assn and Trainex, 1975)

This program discusses a growing problem in the U.S., that of suicide. Several people tell their stories on camera, relating the life events and feelings that led them to self-harm, how they felt afterward. and how their perspectives may have changed since. The video drops in on a series of telephone conversations between a suicide prevention hotline counselor and a distraught woman who calls regularly. The program identifies signs to watch for in a despondent person that might indicate they are contemplating suicide.

The Steps of Age (Mental Health Film Board, 1950)

Describes the challenges of aging as seen through the eyes of a woman, Mrs. Potter, whose husband becomes listless and unhappy following his forced retirement at age 65. She worries about him and knows that his lack of engagement is not emotionally healthy. When he dies after a few years of retirement, she gives up her home and goes to live with her daughter's family, which also presents challenges. The woman reflects on how to manage these life changes, and how to continue to live a rewarding, engaged life.

Suicide, The Unheard Cry (United States. Department of the Army, 1968)

he purpose of this program is to familiarize viewers with the behavior of suicidal individuals, emphasizing that prevention is possible if the signs of a potential suicide are recognized. The film presents five stories of individuals in the Army who show such signs and eventually take their own lives. In each case portrayed, the person displays a characteristic pattern of change in behavior, providing clues as to a desperate mindset. These clues include the inability to cope with family and work problems, depression, overreaction, lack of appetite, insomnia, and other behaviors.

Farewell to Childhood (Mental Health Film Board, 1951)

Produced by the North Carolina Board of Health and sponsored by the New York-based Mental Health Film Board, this film focuses on "the trials of adolescence," in particular the experiences of a girl named Susan who feels misunderstood by her parents and others. She chafes against their rules, and is also deeply disappointed when she doesn't get the part in the school play that she was expecting. She feels lonely and unimportant. A sympathetic adult from school helps her talk through her concerns, encouraging Susan to try to understand her parents' need to protect her.

Involuntary Hospitalization of the Psychiatric Patient: Should it be Abolished? (USPHS, 1969)

This film presents a panel discussion between Jules H. Masserman, M.D., Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry, Northwestern University Medical School, and Thomas S. Szasz, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, State University of New York. Harold Visotsky, M.D., Chairman, Department of Psychiatry at Northwestern University Medical School, acts as moderator. Dr. Masserman contends that there are certain clinical situations in which an individual must be hospitalized against his will for psychiatric reasons, whereas Dr.

The Cry for Help (Louisiana Association for Mental Health, 1962)

This film depicts several situations in which police must contend with suicides or suicide attempts. The situations include those who attempt suicide while in jail, a young man in college who uses a rifle, a young woman living at home using pills, a middle-aged man who contemplates using a handgun when he finds out he has a severe health problem, and another woman who slashes her wrists. Produced by the Louisiana Association for Mental Health with support from the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health.

Convulsive Shock Therapy in Affective Psychoses (Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital, 1943)

This film depicts patients who have been successfully treated for severe depression and manic states with convulsive shock therapy, showing their behavior prior to and following treatment. Patients range in age from 42 to 58 and are in varying states of depression, some suicidal and some with self-mutilating tendencies. The after-scenes show the patients’ improved moods and well-being. The film also shows the effects of metrazol and electroshock convulsions in curarized patients.

Full Circle (Mental Health Film Board, 1973)

This film dramatizes the benefits of group therapy in the psychiatric ward of a hospital. Patients discuss their problems with each other and with hospital staff. A large portion of the film focuses on a young woman who is having difficulty obtaining and keeping her job after her discharge from the hospital. Through additional group therapy and private discussions with her therapist, she finds ways to cope with her anxiety.