Celluloid psychiatrists tend to fall into a limited number of stereotypes (Schneider, 1987). ‘Dr Evil’ is the unscrupulous psychiatrist who harms others, often his patients. Although common throughout cinema history, this stereotype appears to be becoming more extreme. Recent examples from mainstream cinema, many of which have been shown on British television, and possible clinical implications are discussed.

The Bekhterev Journal was founded in 1896 in St Petersburg by V. M. Bekhterev and, with two intervals, existed until 1930. Its title was modified several times and in 1927 it was given the name of its founder.

Stephen Dorrell, the government Health Minister, has criticised the current “gross misallocation” of resources for patients with mental illness. The Department of Health estimates that more than half the district health authorities' budget of £1.5 billion for mental health services is still being channelled into the 90 remaining large specialist mental hospitals. There are now only 40,000 patients in such institutions. However, according to government calculations, a total of 2¼ million people in this country have a mental illness which is “serious enough” for them to need consultant psychiatrist care. All those sufferers from mental illness living in the community must make do with the remaining DHA budget. In other words, 98% of the mentally ill are supported by less than half the total resources allocated by districts for mental health services.