Rosenhan experiment

The Rosenhan experiment (/ˈroʊzənˌhæn/; ROH-zən-han) is a famous study in the field of psychiatry and psychology, conducted by psychologist David Rosenhan in 1973. The experiment was a critique of the reliability of psychiatric diagnosis and the stigmatization associated with mental illness.

Etymology

The term "Rosenhan experiment" is named after the psychologist David Rosenhan, who led the study. The word "experiment" comes from the Latin experimentum, meaning "a trial, test, proof, experiment".

Background

The Rosenhan experiment involved eight "pseudopatients" who feigned auditory hallucinations in order to gain admission to various psychiatric hospitals across the United States. Once admitted, the pseudopatients acted normally and told staff that they felt fine and had no longer experienced any additional hallucinations. Despite this, all were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and were given antipsychotic drugs.

Findings

The Rosenhan experiment found that the pseudopatients were all admitted with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and were discharged with a diagnosis of schizophrenia "in remission". This raised questions about the validity of psychiatric diagnosis and the implications for those labeled as mentally ill.

Impact

The Rosenhan experiment had a significant impact on the field of psychiatry, leading to reforms in psychiatric care and a move towards deinstitutionalization. It also sparked a debate about the nature of mental illness and the ethics of psychiatric diagnosis.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Rosenhan experiment
Wikipedia's article - Rosenhan experiment

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Rosenhan experiment