Exploring the Development of Mental Health Care in the 19th Century

Summary

The 19th century was a period of remarkable progress in the field of medical science, marked by the emergence of new treatments and the founding of specialist hospitals. However, despite these advancements, certain diseases remained incurable until much later in history. One of the key areas of progress in 19th century medicine was mental health care, with the development of asylums, the emergence of psychiatry as a sub-discipline, and the creation of state-run mental hospitals. This article explores how the mental health care landscape developed during this period and some of the key challenges faced by medical professionals.

Table of Contents

• The Emergence of Specialist Asylums
• The Role of Gender and Social Class in Diagnosis and Treatment
• The Failure of the Large Mental Institution Model
• Emil Kraepelin’s Handbook and the Clinical View of Mental Illness
• Public Executions and Folk Superstitions

Q&A

Q: What were some of the most significant advancements in medical science during the 19th century?

A: The 19th century saw the introduction of several new medical treatments, including antiseptic and aseptic procedures, anaesthetics, and the establishment of professional nursing programs. Specialist hospitals emerged during this period, such as those for children, cancer, and eye treatments. However, despite this progress, certain diseases remained incurable until later in history.

Q: Why was mental health care an important area of focus during the 19th century?

A: By the mid-1800s, mental health care had become a pressing issue for medical professionals. Rapid urbanization and changing social norms meant that many families struggled to care for their mentally ill relatives. As a result, there was an increasing demand for specialist facilities to deal with the mentally disabled and disturbed.

Q: What was the role of asylums in the development of mental health care during the 19th century?

A: Asylums played an important role in the development of mental health care during the 19th century. In 1845, a law was passed that established medically supervised state mental hospitals for the poor in every county. The creation of these hospitals transformed private asylums into places where middle and upper-class families could send their mentally ill relatives. However, the large mental institution model ultimately failed due to understaffing, a lack of releases, and increasing numbers of inmates.

Q: How did gender and social class impact the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness during the 19th century?

A: Gender norms and social class played a significant role in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness during the 19th century. For example, women who exhibited bold or aggressive behaviour were often labelled as ‘nymphomaniac.’ Asylums built in remote areas emphasised the need for natural surroundings, light, fresh air, and exercise for patients, often favouring those of a higher social class.

Q: What was Emil Kraepelin’s handbook, and how did it impact mental health care during the 19th century?

A: Emil Kraepelin’s handbook was an important contribution to the field of psychiatry. It prioritised a clinical view of insanity as a syndrome of hereditary disorders, and this changed the way the mentally ill were viewed and treated. Police and local authorities also adopted the redefinition of binge-drinking as a periodic mania and sent alcoholics to mental hospitals.

Conclusion

The 19th century was a transformative period for mental health care, marked by the establishment of asylums, the emergence of psychiatry as a sub-discipline, and the creation of state-run mental hospitals. However, the large mental institution model ultimately failed due to understaffing and a lack of resources. The diagnosis and treatment of mental illness during this period were also heavily influenced by gender and social class, with women and those of a higher class often receiving more favourable care. The legacy of these developments can still be seen in modern mental health care.