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Mental Illness & De-Institituonalization

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What approaches have been used to care for the mentally ill? What are the pros and cons of de-institutionalization?

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Solution Summary

This solution discusses approaches that have been used to care for the mentally ill. It also explores the pros and cons of de-institutionalization.

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Interesting question! I am wondering if you have researched the history of the mentally ill in terms of treatment approaches yet. If not, that is the place to start. So, let's go to www.google.com and use the search words, 'approaches to care for the mentally ill' or some variation of these words, to see what we can find.

1. What approaches have been used to care for the mentally ill?

Historically, those with mental illness were institutionalized and given powerful 'anti-psychotic' drugs and shock treatment. Mental illness was believed to be caused by biological factors (e.g., neurotransmitters, chemical imbalances, etc.) and still is in psychiatry. The side effects of the anti-psychotic drugs often resulted in more serious neurological disorders (e.g., tardive dyskinesia (TD), with tongue protrusions, sucking motions, standing in rigid positions in the corner, drooling, etc.). The people who suffered from mental illness were cared for through the institutionalized approach: being locked up in mental institutions, given powerful drugs and treated with powerful drugs, straight jackets and shock treatments.

However, movements arose due to the supposed inhumane treatment in the care for the people who suffered from mental illness. Organizations and movements arise (anti-psychiatry movement) to combat inhumane treatment fo patients. For example, the ...

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