BETHLEM patients and staff will be in front of the camera for a landmark television series which aims to demystify the decisions involved in treating the mentally ill.

The four part Channel 4 documentary series – working title The Maudsley – was filmed over a year highlighting the services run by the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLAM).

One of the episodes focuses on the anxiety disorders residential unit at Bethlem Royal Hospital in Beckenham.

A SLAM spokeswoman said: “The Bethlem Royal Hospital’s anxiety unit treats the most anxious people in the country - the top one per cent - and claims a success rate of three in four patients.

“Some are consumed by irrational fears they’ve caused a road accident in their sleep, harmed strangers or have intrusive thoughts.”

The series will be screened in the autumn.