Insane Asylums

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The Tales of Mental Asylums in Pennsylvania

Once upon a time, long ago in the mists of time, sprawling brick structures housed countless individuals with mental disturbances. These massive structures were known to the world as mental asylums for the insane. In reality, the majorities of these individuals were not insane, but in contrast were suffering from mild mental problems such as depression or anxiety. These people were looked down upon in society and were labeled as "freaks" or "batty" because of their mental disorder. In the early twentieth century, mental issues were considered taboo. If a family had a sibling or relative who was suffering from a mental disorder, they were swept under a rug; to be taken care of at another time. These days, these immense structures are an object of the past, a bygone era. Many asylums still stand tall as monuments to the world of health care, while many do not stand at all.

Two hundred years ago, Pennsylvania revolutionized the mental health care movement. Benjamin Rush, a Philadelphia doctor made a suggestion to his fellow colleagues about individuals suffering from mental disorders. Instead of treating individuals with mental disorders as a sign of demon possession or confused soul, treat their disorder as an illness. In the late 1800's, another Philadelphia doctor caught wind of Rush's idea to treat mental illness. Thomas Kirkbride believed the insane, as they were called in nineteeth century, deserved humane treatment. After this realization, the asylum movement took place in Pennsylvania. Individuals suffering from mental disorders were taken out of their inhumane circumstances an...

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Beam, Alex. Gracefully Insane: The Rise and Fall of America's Premier Mental Hospital. New York: Public Affairs, 2001.

Highlights the existence of McLean Hospital. From its founding in 1817 throught today. Based on original research. Housed many troubled geniuses of our time. Poets, writers, and actors. Sylvia Plath, Ray Charles, and James Taylor.

Berger, Lisa and Alexander Vuckovic. Under Observation: Life Inside a Psychiatric Hospital. New York: Ticknor and Fields, 1994.

Describes life within a psychiatric hospital. Fascinating account of diagnosis and treatment with facility. Portrait of the inner workings of the psyche. Treatment controversies and economic pressures.

Dowdall, George. The Eclipse of the State Mental Hospital: Policy, Stigma, and Organization. New York: University Press, 1996.

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