-
First Insane Asylun in America Opened
Opening this asylum showed the first major step regarding the mentally ill. For the first time, mentally ill were looked at as having a disease that could be helped. -
Period: to
Asylum Reform
-
Concern of Mentally Ill Grows
The concern of the mentally ill grows.They are released of shakles and chains and are put into sunny rooms in some places. Although this is a concern from Phillippe Pinel, mistreatment of mentally ill continues. -
New York State Penitentary
The first New York state penitentary was established from the recognition of the mentally ill in prisons. This a gave more proper environment for them. -
US Asylum Reformer: Dorothea Dix
Dix observed the mentally ill and loobied to establish state hospitals for them. She eventually established 5 state hospitals for the mentally ill. -
Bill for the Benefit of the Indigent Insane
Dorothea Dix's influene resulted in the Billl for the Benefit of the Indigent Insane, legislation which set aside over 12 million acres of Federal Land for the benefit of the insane. Proceeds would go towards maintaining the facilities. -
US Asylum Reformer: Dorothea Dix
In 1854, Dorothea convinces the pope to examine the cruel treatment of the mentally ill. This shows signifigance because now she has gained sympathy from Christian people as well. Dix has growing influence. -
Emil Kraepelin
Emil was a German researcher and he discovered the fundimental distinction between maniac-depressive psyhosis and schizophrenia. This helps decipher between people who actually need to be in prison and commit legitimate crimes and people who need mental help. -
Ten Days in a Madhouse
A women named Nellie Bly faked her way into a mental hospital to try and help the situation of mental hospitals. Her expose published called Ten Days in a Madhouse helped improved the condition of asylums in New York. -
Rapid Expansion
By 1904, the United States insane asylums had housed more than 150,000 patients. Insane asylums had growing influence. -
Cliford Beers: A Mind That Found Itself
Cliford Beers is a man who lived in an insane asylum and he wrote a book called A Mind That Found Himself. The book describes his dehuanizing experiences and started the National Commitee for Mental Hygiene and it helped organize and benefit the mentally ill.
