There have been a lot of advancements in the world of psychiatry since the days of overcrowded asylums and barbaric treatments of the mentally ill. Many questions have been answered although not all of them. But we have come to learn that some issues are physical, and some are mental allowing doctors to send patients down more effective paths for treatment. For instance, someone who suffers from epilepsy is not possessed and we have treatments for that physical ailment. We have so much more knowledge about alcoholism and drug addiction, and we have 12 step programs and rehabilitation programs where people can get better. Even depression, bipolar disorders and schizophrenia is treatable with medication.
Todays mental facilities are more like out-patient doctors' offices. They are clean and inviting with well trained staff. There are also laws and patients' rights on the books as well as professional standards to ensure patients get the best care.
To see what mental facilities look like today, see below.
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Today, the world of psychiatry has dramatically changed. The advancement of research, medications and fresh ideas have led to a renewed path of psychiatric treatment. Gone are the days of tossing any "undesirable" persons into an asylum. No more experimental surgery or torture. No more treating patients like animals.
The psychiatric and medical community has been able to break down many of the mental disorders people suffer from and classify them into categories. Some are mild disorders while others are far more complex. Some can be genetic, while other may be due to chemical imbalances in the brain, reactions to traumatic events or other various reasons. But nonetheless, today's psychiatrist has a much better understanding of the brain and far more options when it comes to treatment.
Today, we also have psychologists, therapists, counselors, rehabilitation clinics and even 12 step programs like NA & AA to aid people who want to address mental health issues.
Unlike other psychiatric clinics and hospitals, these facilities are intended for the most chronic psychiatric patients who have been through the court system for acts that would typically result in them going to jail. However, because they were determined to be insane, they were sent here for treatment rather than typical incarceration. Unlike inmates in prison, these "patients" are not sent there for a specific period of time as retribution for their crimes. They are sent to these facilities until a doctor can attest to the fact that the patient has been successfully rehabilitated and can be safely re-introduced to society without fear of them hurting themselves or others. There are times when some never get out. And yes, certain wards are more dangerous than others.
Patients live in clean modest hospital rooms under constant supervision, allowed to socialize, play games, work on the premises for actual money, receive mail and some packages and dine on food that many say is better than that served in jails.
Doctors, nurses and therapists are often making their rounds and medications are often dispensed, especially for those with the most severe psychological disorders.
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