Care of the Insane

Proper care of the insane dates from the beginning of the 19th century. Previous to that time they were regarded as criminals or as buffoons and treated accordingly. Since 1847 remarkable progress has been made in the treatment of these unfortunates.

Hospitals for the insane are of three kinds: those established by and under the charge of the government; those endowed by wealthy philanthropists and usually under the supervision of a board of trustees; and private institutions, in which fees are charged for the treatment given. In the United States all hospitals for the insane are under the supervision of the authorities of the state in which they are located. In modern hospitals cottages have taken the place of the large buildings formerly used, and patients are placed among homelike surroundings and have the service of physicians who are skilled in the treatment of nervous diseases. Patients are committed to state hospitals only on the order of an examining board of physicians appointed by the state.

Insanity (is) a general term used to designate several forms of mental disorder. These disorders are sharply divided into two distinct groups, congenital insanity and acquired insanity.

Congenital insanity, which is due to imperfect brain development, is generally known as idiocy or imbecility. In idiots the senses of taste, touch and smell are below normal, and unnatural or irregular formation of one or more organs is not uncommon. Idiots and imbeciles are not dangerous or violent, but dull; and although they may, with assistance, perform the routine acts tending to self preservation, they are incapable of much intellectual development.

Insanity is rapidly increasing among civilized peoples. Among the uncivilized it is entirely absent. This fact and the fact of its greater frequency in cities has led to the theory, now generally accepted, that the more strenuous struggle for existence consequent upon competition in these centers causes a breaking down of the nervous system. About 50 per cent of the cases of insanity are curable. There are many hospitals for the treatment of the insane and feebleminded. These institutions are usually under state management, and inmates are cared for at public expense.

From The Source Book, Vol. IV., Perpetual Encyclopedia Corporation, Chicago, 1926.

Rev 2000-02-18