From asylums to deinstitutionalization and after: an analytic review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Care
• Social Policy

Background:

• The asylum system was the primary model for institutional mental health care.
• Deinstitutionalization marked a significant shift in mental illness conceptualization and treatment settings.
• This transition brought both advancements and considerable challenges in psychiatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the advantages and disadvantages of asylum closure.
• To evaluate the implementation of deinstitutionalization in psychiatry over the past 60 years.
• To explore the evolving landscape of mental health treatment and care.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive review of recent scholarly literature.
• Identification of key issues and challenges associated with deinstitutionalization.
• Exploration of strategies to address the difficulties presented by this shift.

Main Results:

• Deinstitutionalization offered renewed hope for patients and families.
• The shift from asylums to community care also introduced undesirable effects.
• Mental health professionals are actively seeking solutions to mitigate negative outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The legacy of deinstitutionalization is complex, with both positive and negative consequences.
• Addressing the challenges of deinstitutionalization requires ongoing efforts from mental health professionals.
• The study underscores the need for effective strategies to support patients and society in the evolving mental healthcare system.