Perhaps the best resource for teaching about bipolar disorder is the 1994 film The Madness of King George. King George III lived the latter years of his life with bipolar disorder, he died aged 81 having been subjected to much ridicule and numerous ineffective treatments including arsenic and gentian. His episodes of madness were often framed as a joke but as one of his doctors, Willis reported ‘The King was low and cried, such was the depression of his spirit’ his symptoms were far from humorous. The film is a poignant reminder that anyone can suffer from mental ill health even a powerful King.

Other films

A Beautiful Mind (2001) A portrayal of mathematician John Nash’s experience of schizophrenia and the impact of his illness on family, friends and colleagues.

Horror movies There is much discussion in medical humanities communities about the use of horror movies in teaching about severe mental illness and psychosis. It’s a genre of film I find difficult to watch much to the amusement of my family so I’m not able to make any good recommendations but it’s something you could easily Google.