Some discussion on twitter about the ending of government mental institutions, the deinstitutonalization movement. Apparently some believe that President Reagan was responsible, only to be corrected that his actions were as CA governor.
I remember the State Hospital in Binghamton, NY, not from personal experience but as a reference point in discussions when growing up. According to the website I linked to it dated to mid-19th century, was noted for its architecture, and treated alcoholism as a disease.
I also remember my sister had a paperback of The Snake Pit, the novel on which the award winning film was based (1948). I think I tried reading it when young; likely one of the books I never finished.
Anyhow, for me the reform movement started in the 40's, with the Snake Pit, then One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1962 novel) followed by the documentary Titicut Follies (1967).
It seems to have been a case where liberal good intentions and fond hopes for drugs in place of institution were misplaced. Will it be 100 years before we get another effort for reform?
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