Asylum
Asylum (Medicine)
Asylum (/əˈsaɪləm/), in the context of medicine, refers to a long-term residential institution that provides care and treatment for people with mental illness. The term originates from the Greek word "ἄσυλον" (ásylon), meaning "sanctuary" or "place of refuge".
History
The concept of an asylum as a place for the care of the mentally ill has a long history, dating back to the ancient Greeks. The first known asylum in the Western world was the Bethlem Hospital in London, established in the 13th century.
Modern Usage
In modern usage, the term "asylum" is often associated with the negative aspects of institutional care, such as overcrowding, poor conditions, and abuse. As a result, many countries have moved towards community mental health services and deinstitutionalization.
Related Terms
- Psychiatric hospital: A hospital specializing in the treatment of serious mental disorders.
- Sanatorium: An establishment for the medical treatment and recuperation of people, predominantly those suffering from tuberculosis.
- Involuntary commitment: A legal process through which an individual with symptoms of severe mental illness is court-ordered into treatment in a hospital (inpatient) or in the community (outpatient).
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Asylum
- Wikipedia's article - Asylum
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