Deinstitutionalization Of Mentally Ill Summary

The article I chose to read on the deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill was entitled: “Victimization of the Mentally Ill: An Unintended Consequence of Deinstitutionalization”. According to this article, one issue the deinstitutionalization brought about that affected communities was the increased number of displaced, homeless, mentally ill patients. Because so many of these patients are left untreated, they are unable to cope in a normal society, often causing these deinstitutionalized patients to become part of the legal system. These misunderstood individuals often end up in the prison system, not receiving the assistance they require and eating up state funding.

The article suggests to aid in lessening some of the issues caused
by deinstitutionalization, steps should be taken to ensure better, more effective treatments. It is important for any community to make available the resources to better educate both the patients and the general public on all aspects of mental health. There needs to be accountability as to the treatment of the mentally ill in the community, including making sure the resources are there to have properly staffed facilities to enable treatment. In some aspects, society needs to change their views and prejudices against the mentally ill and steer away from the negativity. It is believed that teaching stress management techniques would also help patients better cope with their illness. An environment should be created to make sure the patients are comfortable and confident in seeking out help, without the fear of being made to feel inferior.

References

French, L. (1987). Victimization of the mentally ill: an unintended consequence of Deinstitutionalization. Social Work, 32(6), 502-505. Retrieved from MEDLINE with Full Text database. Retrieved March 21, 2010 from
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