History of Psychiatric Hospitals

Modern psychiatric hospitals are safe places for long-term treatments of acute mental illnesses. They typically serve patients who are dangerous to themselves or to other people. These hospitals have a controversial history based on a once purely negative viewpoint about mental health and mental health patients. The current trend of caring and dignified patient-centered services available in mental health facilities may mean a bright future for psychiatric hospitals.

Bethlem Royal Hospital

• London's first psychiatric hospital, Bethlem Royal Hospital, was founded in 1547. It was notorious for its brutal treatments which continued into the 1800s.

Madhouse Act of 1828

• The Madhouse Act of 1828 passed Parliament and the 1st Middlesex County Asylum opened in 1831, followed by a decree which ordered an asylum built in every UK county.

BrattleBoro Retreat

• In the United States (Vermont), Anna Marsh founded the BrattleBoro Retreat in 1834. It was ahead of its time. It offered dignified, empowering treatments for mental health patients.

Institution Reform

• In 1908, mental patient Clifford Beers wrote a book titled, "A Mind That Found Itself." In it, he called for institution reform based on his degrading experiences in a Connecticut hospital.

Barbaric Treatments

• During the early 1900s, psychiatric hospitals began using barbaric treatments such as electro-convulsive (shock) therapy, surgical lobotomies and insulin-induced comas to treat mental illnesses.

National Mental Health Act

• With the passing of US President Harry Truman's 1946 National Mental Health Act and emerging drug treatments of 1950s, psychiatric hospitals took a positive turn that continues through today.