How Did Philippe Pinel Change The Treatment Of The Mentally Ill?

Before Philippe Pinel, the mentally ill were viewed and regarded in a religious point of view. Effectively beginning the transition from humans who were “possessed by demons” to just humans who were medically ill. Thus, born on April 20, 1745, in France, Pinel would soon grow to significantly change the methods of treatment. To begin his knowledge and understanding of psychiatry, Philippe Pinel begun his education being homeschooled and taught by his mother and Father Coarse. After completing high school, Pinel attended Lavaur Collège Les Clauzades. Though Pinel was born to a family of doctors and surgeons, he embarked on the study of theology to enter the life of priesthood. Yet, Pinel was influenced by early Enlightenment Thinkers to shift
Firstly, Pinel expelled and rejected the idea that mental illness was caused by an ample amount of blood reaching the brain, leading to a treatment called bloodletting which meant periodically draining blood from mentally ill patients. Instead, Pinel suggested the concept that mental disorders were caused by factors such as stress, inhumane conditions, psychological or physical injury, or hereditary. Proposing that isolating, restraining, and beating these patients contributed to their illness instead of reversing it. Particularly, earning the position of the chief doctor in Salpetriere Hospital, Pinel took a monumental step by removing the chains in all of the mentally ill patients beds. In addition, Pinel removed patients from dark and filthy dungeon- like rooms and provided them with sanitary sunny rooms, and also allowed them to exercise on the grounds. This resulted in the beginning of Pinel’s advocation of the nonviolent treatment called the moral
After thorough analysis, Philippe Pinel split mental illness into five categories: melancholia, mania without delirium, mania with delirium, dementia, idiotism. Specifically caused by, unhappy love, obsessiveness, religious fears, violence, and depression. As a new method of treating these disorders, Pinel acted as a therapist toward his patients by engaging in lengthy conversations with them while writing notes, which is the first known attempt of psychotherapy. Other examples of Pinel’s treatments include; mental hygiene, physical exercise, and productive work. Nonetheless, focusing more on preservation and listening to his patients. Once stated by Philippe Pinel, “The managers [of asylums], who are frequently men of little knowledge and less humanity, have been permitted to impose a most arbitrary system of cruelty and violence on their innocent prisoners. However, experience offers ample and daily proofs of the happier effect of a mild, conciliating treatment rendered effective by steady and dispassionate firmness,” this statement was proven correct after a violent mentally ill patient was unchained, and once outside, he was calm and seemed happier and after two years was released. Pinel showcased the trust and confidentiality between a patient and a doctor, exhibiting that letting a mentally ill patient be mocked and chained is