History of Mental Health Treatment

Historical Perspectives of Mental Illness

• In ancient times, people believed that mental disorders were punishment for sins and wrongdoing, and those with mental disorders were viewed as either divine or demonic.
• Aristotle (382-322 BC) believed that mental disorders were related to physical disorders and developed the theory of the four humors (blood, water, and yellow and black bile) controlling emotions.

Early Christians Times (1-1000 AD)

• Primitive beliefs and superstitions were strong, and diseases were blamed on demons.
• Priests performed exorcisms to rid evil spirits, and when that failed, they used brutal treatments such as incarceration, flogging, starving, and others.

Development of Treatment of Mental Illness (1800-1900)

• The study of psychiatric disorders and diagnosis began.
• Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) challenged society to view human beings objectively.
• Emil Kraepelin (1856-1926) classified mental disorders according to their symptoms.
• Eugene Bleuler (1857-1939) coined the term "schizophrenia".

Dix and the Establishment of Asylums

• Dorothea Dix believed that society was obligated to care for the mentally ill and promoted adequate shelter, nutritious food, and warm clothing.
• The period of enlightenment was short-lived, with state hospitals facing problems within 100 years.

The Development of Psychotic Drugs (1950)

• The development of psychotic drugs began with the introduction of Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), an antipsychotic drug.
• Lithium, an antimanic agent, was also developed.
• Other drugs introduced over the next 10 years included Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, Haloperidol (Haldol), Tricyclic antidepressants, and Benzodiazepines.

Movement Toward Community Mental Health (1963)

• The Community Mental Health Centers Act introduced deinstitutionalization, shifting from institutional care to community facilities.
• Community mental health centers provided emergency care, inpatient care, outpatient services, partial hospitalization, screening services, and education.

Deinstitutionalization (1963)

• Three components of deinstitutionalization: release of individuals from state institutions, diversion from hospitalization, and development of alternative community services.

Modern Developments (1993-2002)

• The federal government created and funded Access to Community Care and Effective Services and Support (ACCESS) to address the needs of people with mental illness who were homeless.
• The goals of ACCESS were to improve access to comprehensive services, reduce duplication and cost of services, and improve efficiency.
• The Department of Health and Human Services reported that 56 million Americans are estimated to have diagnosable mental illness, and 10 million adults and 4 million children and adolescents have mental illnesses that impair daily activities.

Explore the history of mental health treatment from the early asylums to the challenges faced by state hospitals in the 19th century. Learn about the shift in public perception towards mental health institutions and the negative connotations associated with 'insane asylums'.