329 - Mental Health Twofer

This week's podcast revolves around a couple of mental health issues and the story surrounding them.  The first is the Pellagratic Delirium or Pellagrous Encephalopathy.  This condition is due to lack of Niacin (vitamin B3) and became a widespread problem in the Venetian Empire after the introduction of corn meal to the diet of the poor population.  This outbreak resulted in the creation of multiple psychiatric hospitals that treated tens of thousands of people.  The second issue is Munchausen syndrome.  While many people have heard of this form of mental illness that results in someone deceiving others by pretending to be sick.  What you might not know is where the name came from.  Take a listen and see what you find out!