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What is the history of mental illness in the U.S.? Read below!
1600-1700s
- Pilgrims arrived to America. The English culture and values were brought to the U.S. The concepts of the Elizabethan Poor Laws and Houses were established. People with mental illnesses (poor) were placed in dungeons and institutions. Families who have members who were ill and have money are kept in the home out of view of the community.
- People with mental illness were thought to be possessed or demonized. These individuals were sent to institutionalized jails.
- As problems increased, jails and institutions were built.
1773
- The Eastern State Hospital was built. This hospital was the ‘first to serve the mentally ill’ and the first psych. Hospital built in the U.S.
1790
- Philip Penal of France wrote the book Moral Treatment. He spoke up for the removal of chains and restraints from patients replaced with care, concern and kindness.
1840
- Dorothica Dicks, a nurse, advocated for the mentally ill needs in America. She believed that the psych. settings needed treatment with humane conditions.
1860
- 28 out of 33 built psych. hospitals were known as asylums. The asylums were built on the outskirts of the community with high walls around them.
- The first asylum was St. Elizabeth Hospital.
1917
- A surgeon general of the military created a psychological/ neurological department in order to screen incomers and screen our those who are psychologically unfit.
1945
- During the WW I, some soldiers had symptoms of mental illness (i.e. PTSD, Depression, Adjustment Disorders). This was significant as mental illness became a social issue.
1946
- The National Mental Health Act was passed. This act created the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in Maryland. Their focus was upon the funding of research for mental illness.
1950s
- Psychotropic medication was created. The first medication was Thorizine.
1955
- Deinstitutionalization took place.
- A Mental Health Study began which resulted in the following: 1) more money for research, 2) more innovative treatment for the mentally ill, 3) need to make use of community, and 4) need to make use of mental health clinics.
1960
- Former president Kennedy’s sister Rose had mental retardation (MR). He was sensitive about the needs of the mentally ill.
- Thus, the ill spent less time institutional care (Hospital) before returning to the community.
1970s
- Mrs. Cary Waites assisted in writing a grant for Norfolk Comprehensive Mental Health Services (CMHS).
- Mrs. Waites later became the director of Norfolk CMHS.
- The CMH Act was passed: Regional in regards to serving. Programs provided included day programs, partial hospitalization, in-patient treatment, education and consultation and emergency services.
- Pres. Nixon was in office, determining that the mentally ill should return back to institutions.
- President Carter created task groups to study the mentally ill. He placed his wife Rosalyn in charge of the task group. Her group made three recommendations: 1) focus on treating people of color, 2) youth, and 3) the aging.
- Reagan supported out programs. Development of the fee-for-services standard for Medicaid.
- Social service programs were cut.
- The Community Service Board or Department of Human Services was soon created.
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