The Dark Side of Post-War Psychiatry

A disturbing investigation into discredited British psychiatrist William Sargant reveals a dark history of using electroshock therapy, drugs, and lobotomies to treat patients. Sargant’s methods were often fatal and left women with debilitating depression, anxiety, and other conditions.

Actor Celia Imrie shares personal accounts of her own experiences with Sargant, describing him as “ethically and methodically flawed” with a God complex. Stock’s account also highlights Sargant’s fixation on healing human beings, which led to the neglect of his patients’ well-being.

The investigation raises questions about Sargant’s motivations and upbringing, leaving some to wonder if his actions were driven by a desire for power and control. As a spy novelist, Stock brings a sense of intrigue to the story, but also relies on unanswerable speculation at times.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Sargant’s past, his legacy as a pioneering psychiatrist is now widely discredited. The investigation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of prioritizing patient welfare above all else.

Source: https://www.tortoisemedia.com/2025/03/27/the-sleep-room-is-the-story-of-a-psychiatrist-let-loose