Looking back to the future of psychiatry: reflections on an international sojourn

Psychiatry's metamorphosis continues to evolve over time as concepts of the brain's neuronal function and the complexity of the mind interact with rapid growth in technological innovations. Paradoxically, some of these innovations are leading to personalized and focused therapeutic benefits, while others have been associated with harmful unintended consequences on human behaviour and cognitive processes. Mental health inequities persist across the lifespan in different geographical regions and remain vulnerable to geopolitical disruption. Very few countries have successfully balanced deinstitutionalization with robust community mental health resources and a number of historical therapies, such as clozapine, lithium, and electroconvulsive therapy still retain pride of place. Looking back to the future of psychiatry, our collective compassion and humanity may ultimately underpin and distinguish man from machine in the care of mental distress.