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The End of Asylum: A Powerful Indictment of the Mental Health System

Jeffery Bell

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Published in The End Of Asylum Philip G Schrag

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Philip Schrag's The End of Asylum is a powerful indictment of the mental health system, arguing that it has failed to live up to its promise of providing care and treatment for the mentally ill. Schrag traces the history of the asylum system, from its origins in the early 19th century to its decline in the late 20th century, and argues that it has always been a place of abuse and neglect.

The End of Asylum

by Philip G. Schrag

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1542 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	223 pages

Schrag begins his book by describing the early days of the asylum system, when it was believed that the mentally ill could be cured through a combination of rest, exercise, and moral therapy. However, as the asylum system grew, it became increasingly clear that it was not meeting its goals. The asylums were overcrowded and understaffed, and the patients were subjected to harsh treatment. In some cases, patients were even subjected to experimental treatments, such as electric shock therapy and lobotomies.

In the mid-20th century, the asylum system began to decline. This was due in part to the development of new drugs that could be used to treat mental illness. However, it was also due to a growing awareness of the abuses that were taking place in the asylums. In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Brown v. Board of Education that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This ruling led to a wave of lawsuits against the asylum system, and many of these lawsuits were successful. As a result, many of the asylums were closed, and the patients were released into the community.

However, the closure of the asylums did not lead to an improvement in the treatment of the mentally ill. In fact, in many cases, it made things worse. The mentally ill were often left to fend for themselves on the streets, and they were often subjected to discrimination and abuse. In some cases, they even became homeless.

Schrag argues that the mental health system has failed to live up to its promise of providing care and treatment for the mentally ill. He argues that the system is based on a model of illness that is outdated and that it relies too heavily on drugs. He also argues that the system is fragmented and that it is difficult for the mentally ill to get the help they need.

The End of Asylum is a powerful indictment of the mental health system. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the history of the mental health system, or who is concerned about the treatment of the mentally ill.

Praise for The End of Asylum

"Schrag's book is a powerful indictment of the mental health system, and it should be required reading for anyone who is interested in the history of the system or who is concerned about the treatment of the mentally ill." - The New York Times

"The End of Asylum is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the history of the mental health system and the challenges it faces today." - The Washington Post

"Schrag's book is a powerful and important work that sheds light on the dark history of the mental health system." - The Guardian

About the Author

Philip Schrag is a professor of law at Georgetown University. He is the author of several books on the mental health system, including The End of Asylum and Madness in America.

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The End of Asylum

by Philip G. Schrag

4.1 out of 5