Introduction to Psychiatryprof .Elham Aljammas9l10l2016
History Concepts
How were mentally ill treated prior to1790’s?Banishment
Confinement
What were attitudes toward them?
Possessed by the devil
Lacked basic human qualities
St. Mary of Bethlehem Hospital, London
(“Bedlam”) Opened to lunatics 1403
Visitors pay for “entertainment”
History Concepts
Period of Enlightenment begins in 1790’sConcept of “ Asylum” (sanctuary):
If we treat patients humanely and
respectfully, they will improve.
Mental illness worsens with stress
First mental hospitals (“asylums”) in US in 1820’s
Dorthea Dix Asylum in North Carolina
Era of Psychotropic Drugs
Medications first available in 1950s, i.e. chlorpromazine (Thorazine) for Schizophrenia, Lithium for ManiaHope for previously “incurable” mental illnesses and enhanced quality of life.
