I am writing in response to your recent articles on the trial and sentencing of Andrea Yates. Everyone involved in the case conceded that she suffered from mental illness, with diagnoses of postpartum depression, psychosis and a form of schizophrenia. Following the letter of the law, however, the jury convicted her, on the grounds that she understood right from wrong.
Although the legal details of this case are beyond the scope of this letter to the editor, the facts surrounding the case speak to a pervasive misunderstanding of mental illness.
The simple truth, supported by advanced science and research, is that mental illness is a disease of the brain, made all the more mysterious because it manifests itself through behavior–often behavior that seems inexplicable to those who witness it. Furthermore it is a disease that is, in most instances, highly treatable.
And while we have come a long way in expanding our knowledge and increasing our understanding, the fact remains that the stigma associated with mental illness still permeates our society. It keeps people who experience some form of mental illness from seeking help and treatment. Stigma plays a role in the workplace, with many afraid to come forward for fear of losing their jobs. And stigma also affects our insurance policies, as the disparity between insurance reimbursement for diseases of the brain and diseases of the body persists.
In his groundbreaking Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health, Dr. David Satcher concluded that “mental disorders are real health conditions.” He noted that, of the more than 50 million people who experience a diagnosable mental disorder each year, nearly two-thirds do not seek help. The report found that: “Stigma surrounding the receipt of mental health treatment is among the many barriers that discourage people from seeking treatment.”
Breakthroughs in science, research and medicine have taught us more than ever before about the brain and the connections between mental health and physical well-being. For instance, by scanning the brains of individuals experiencing schizophrenic episodes, scientists have been able to document the physical changes that take place. Treatments for a variety of mental illnesses are widely available, with high success rates.
Despite these advances in understanding, we have a long way to go as a society to put this knowledge to work to remove the stigma. After the conviction of Andrea Yates, defense attorney George Parnham lamented: “Mental illness is still not understood and still not appreciated.”
Sadly, his comment is all too true.
