Unit of Difficult Patients: What Future for the Criminally Insane?

The Unit for Difficult Patients in a mental facility in Cadillac, France holds 90 men most of whom suffer from psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and have committed heinous killings. While their illness makes them dangerous, they are extremely fragile and prone to episodes of anxiety, depression and delirium. They are aware of their past actions and feel burdened by them. Medication and occupational therapy have reduced their violent tendencies and helped them live meaningfully. Far from being monsters, the patients show anyone can reform when treated with love and compassion.