A Brief History
In ancient times, mental illness was regarded with a somewhat positive light; a direct correlation was drawn between mental illness and divine powers by the Greeks and Romans. Hippocrates regarded mental illness as a physiological affliction, but this view became lost as civilization became ignorant. In the Middle Ages, those plagued with psychotic mental illnesses resembled what people perceived as demonic possession. In such cases, exorcisms were performed in attempt to cure them. Other cases seemed like witchery to the uneducated public, spawning witch trials and burnings. One of the more gruesome methods of treatment was bloodletting, which killed patients more often than it cured them. In colonial America, chains and shackles were used to restrain the mentally ill in poorly maintained facilities that contained no heat, no light, and no bathrooms. They were often isolated with the disabled and delinquents--others who were concerned abnormal to society. Such mistreatment continued until in America until Dorothy Dix pushed for reformation of mental illness care and the establishment of mental health hospitals. Even so, over time facilities become overcrowded and unpleasant. The first form of treatment for the mentally is Sigmund Frued's "talking cure," which continues to be the only treatment until the 1930s, when more inhumane inhumane methods are developed. Drug, electroshock, and surgical therapy emerged and became widely used. The most popular form of drug therapy was insulin coma therapy, in which patients with psychotic disorders where injected the hormone to induce calm and obedience. This often led to overdose and comas from which patients could not be roused from. Another popular method of treatment in the 30s was lobotomy, a surgical procedure in which part of the brain was surgically removed by inserting a needle into the brain through the eye. The procedure had consequences of severe brain damage and eventual death. These were the staple methods of treatment until the development of antipsychotics in the 1950s. Although this is more effective and humane than past treatments, they still possess adverse effects. Many antipsychotics back then, as well as modern ones along with other drugs like antidepressants and stimulants, came with a plethora of side effects that made treatment unpleasant. Many patients avoided taking medication because of such side effects, making their symptoms worse and the people around them more unsettled. Additionally, those who do experience effective drug therapy often end up homeless due to poor follow-up care. Modern science is enabling us to learn more about mental illness and how they affect the brain, but we still do no know enough to come up with treatment other than medication and coping.
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