Also known as: Depression
Marion is an elderly patient in assisted living suffering from severe depression following the death of her close friend Walter, which is causing her to neglect her diabetes care. The episode centers on a debate about whether to treat her with psychosurgery (anterior cingulotomy) versus traditional therapy, with Marion initially refusing all treatment.
Also known as: Diabetes
Marion has diabetes requiring insulin management, but her depression has led her to stop taking her insulin regularly, resulting in dangerously high glucose levels. Her medical non-compliance is a symptom of her underlying depression.
Also known as: Grieving
Marion is grieving the death of Walter, a man she loved but rejected due to loyalty to her deceased husband Jerome. Her grief is complicated by guilt and regret over not reciprocating Walter's feelings before his death, contributing to her severe depression.