From the madhouse to the assistance specialized in hospitals. The case of Merida (Badajoz)

Abstract

Objective: To know how has been the historical evolution of psychiatric care to people with mental pathology in the city of Mérida (Badajoz). Method: This article gives a brief description of the historical development that has led to the attention to people with mental pathology from closed and total hospitalization centers to the specialized care in hospitalization units in general hospitals focusing on the city of Mérida ( Badajoz) by reviewing bibliographical sources related to the topic. Development of the theme: The journey from life-long internments in psychiatric hospitals to general and community hospitals has been long, with non-compliance with deadlines, with comings and goings, and with unfinished roads. Legislation that has influenced the future of thousands of people. Rules that have been dictated by some and fulfilled by others. The modification of the form of assistance to people with mental pathology has been temporarily marked by an attempt to open up to society those institutions of neglect and forgetfulness that were psychiatric and that Michael Foucault at the time called heterotopias. Conclusions: Compliance with laws and regulations is still incomplete, as enforcement is still used as a means of social control and above all behavioral control. The social norm imposed on the norm of behavior.

Keywords

• Salud Mental
• Hospital
• Evolución histórica