Ep 2. By Reason of Insanity - Part Two

Louis Theroux returns with the second part of the By Reason of Insanity episode in Season 3. As the name suggests, the show delves into the psychological treatment of patients who are held at a secure hospital in Ohio, US, after being acquitted of heinous crimes on the grounds of insanity.

In the first episode, Louis met patients who were diagnosed with various mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other personality disorders. He engaged with them to understand their past, their encounters with the law and mental health institutions, and their progress, if any, towards rehabilitation. He also spoke to their families and the staff at the hospital to gain their perspective on the system and treatment.

The second part picks up where the first episode ends, and Louis picks up from where he left off. He follows up with patients from the previous episode, some of whom have made progress towards recovery. He explores how they are supported in their daily routines, and how they cope with their illnesses and treatments. He also catches up with their family members, who often have to endure stigma and backlash from their communities.

Louis also meets new patients who have recently been admitted to the hospital or who were unavailable during the previous episode. He tries to understand their symptoms, how they landed in the hospital, and their hopes for the future. Some have committed severe crimes in the past, but instead of being incarcerated, they were sent to receive treatment. Louis explores whether this system of rehabilitation can be a viable alternative to jail time, and how it can help society as a whole.

Throughout the episode, Louis engages with the staff at the hospital, who have long experience and education in dealing with patients with mental illnesses. They share their perspectives on various cases, how they form relationships with patients, and the challenges they face in caring for patients who may not always be receptive to treatment.

Finally, the episode concludes with a broader view of the US mental health system. Louis highlights how underfunded, under-resourced, and out-of-date it is in many parts of the country, with patients left without proper care and support. He compares this with effective treatments that are available in other parts of the world, such as Norway.

Overall, Louis Theroux's By Reason of Insanity - Part Two is an engaging and insightful episode that offers valuable insights into how mental illnesses are treated, how patients, families, and staff cope with the challenges, and how society can do better to help those with mental health problems.