Andrew Scull

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Sociology, UC San Diego

Search every verified Andrew Scull interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Andrew Scull, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Sociology at UC San Diego, appeared on the Lex Fridman Podcast on September 15, 2026, to discuss the history of psychiatry and mental health. During the conversation, he described psychiatry as a profession addressing complex human emotions and perceptions, including cases where individuals experience delusions or hallucinations. He also stated that available treatments for mental illness are symptomatic rather than curative, noting that there is no "psychiatric penicillin" and that interventions can sometimes create new, iatrogenic problems. Scull discussed his extensive research on the history of psychiatry, including topics such as asylums, lobotomy, electroconvulsive therapy, and psychoanalysis. He referenced his books, including "Madness in Civilization" and "Desperate Remedies," and reflected on the grim nature of some historical narratives, such as the story behind his book "Madhouse." He also mentioned that a film adaptation of his work was once considered but lacked a happy ending, and he discussed the portrayal of shell shock in World War I literature and film.