Abstract
The aim of the study is to examine the nature of historical mental health knowledge and practices in a specified geographical area, in order to expose contemporary service delivery through a reconstruction of the past. It will provide a historically informed analysis of mental health treatment from publicly available women’s hospital admissions records in the Nottinghamshire asylums’ archival records of 1890-1920. Methodologically, using archival material, the research examines the emergence of disciplinary regimes of mental health treatment in a historical context using Foucault (1969, 1975, 2001, 2010). Previous historically informed archival work may have lacked the philosophical depth and theoretical framework in the formation of current approaches to mental health. Evidence of presenting issues from historical records shows that written assessments of mental health conditions are used as an equivalent of a diagnosis by medical practitioners. This is reinforced by narratives, observational records and treatment regimes by Orderlies of the institution. What we now class as conditions that could be treated in the community are evident from post-natal depression, menopause, dementia and ‘disappointed affection’. These descriptive markers of the certifying medical practitioner were reinforced by ongoing observation from medical staff. This will be useful for practitioners, students, academics, policy makers and the general public to understand mental health’s impact on the treatment regimens associated with these challenging areas. It will open a wider debate on mental health, wellbeing and community cohesion. In addition, it will contribute to the cultural and heritage sector to articulate its value to society.
Presenters
Adam BarnardSenior Lecturer, Department of Social Work: Care and Community, Nottingham Trent University, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Discourse, Archive, Institution, Asylum
