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Book of the Week: Episode 3 - On insight, despair and hope

Dr Ben Cave's compassionate memoir on his career in forensic psychiatry continues. He recalls two patients who taught him about insight, despair and hope. Adrian Scarborough reads.

Dr Ben Cave's compassionate memoir on his career in forensic psychiatry continues. He recalls two patients who gave him profound lessons on insight, despair and hope. Adrian Scarborough reads.

In What We Fear Most Dr Ben Cave reflects on his decades on the frontline of forensic psychiatry where he has seen the extremes of mental illness. He tells the human stories behind the headlines and introduces us to some of the people he has treated. Fear, violence, and sadness but most of all humanity are the hallmarks of each. What emerges is compassion, understanding and for many of his patients, hope and the potential for a brighter future. We also discover how Cave has been shaped by all the many cases that have been his life's work.

Details of organisations offering information and support with mental health or feelings of despair are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline.

Abridged by Richard Hamilton
Produced by Elizabeth Allard

14 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Wed 23 Aug 2023 09:45
  • Thu 24 Aug 2023 00:30