Mental diseases: a public health problemMay, James Vance
Science
Mental diseases: a public health problem
May, James Vance
Mental health services; Psychology, Pathological
Even the amusements necessary for the individual are given special
attention in the treatment of mental diseases. This refers not only
to methods of recreation and diversion in the wards day by day but
includes moving picture shows, dances and various other special
entertainments. Not the least important consideration is the patient's
bodily health. This is often a determining factor in bringing about a
restoration of mental integrity. It very often happens that there are
diseases of the eye, ear, nose, throat, skin, nervous system, etc.,
which may require attention. Dental, surgical, gynecological and other
special treatments sometimes prevent ordinarily acute and recoverable
psychoses from terminating unfavorably.
In a word, the modern hospital treatment of mental diseases may be said
to consist of a direct personal supervision of the mental and physical
hygiene of the patient, supplemented by such specialized therapeutic
procedures as may be indicated in the individual case.
CHAPTER VI
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PSYCHOPATHIC HOSPITAL
As has already been shown, the modern hospital treatment of mental
diseases in this country is a development which represents the
progress of nearly two centuries. Satisfactory as this has been
in many respects, it nevertheless leaves much to be desired. All
indications point to much greater accomplishments in the future. We are
emerging from an era of custodial care and entering one of prevention,
scientific investigation, and highly specialized treatment along
entirely different lines. The interest of the public has been aroused
in a subject which has heretofore been one to be avoided by common
consent. Mental hygiene societies are no longer viewed with suspicion
and curiosity. We are approaching a time when mental diseases can
be dealt with, as other conditions are, without prejudice or unjust
discrimination. Psychiatric wards promise to become integral parts of
a completed medical organization. Psychopathic hospitals will soon
be found in all of our great centers of population. The outlook for
specialized institutes for purely research purposes, unfortunately, is
not so encouraging at this time.
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