Article ID: CBB398151696

Experimental Treatments: Women, Gender, and ‘Maternal Insanity’ in Victorian Psychiatric Institutions, 1920–36 (2021)

unapi

This article investigates new and experimental medical treatments used to cure ‘maternal insanity’ in women committed to Victorian psychiatric institutions between 1920 and 1936. Close examination of the women's clinical files reveals the use of numerous treatments, vaccines, and tests that produced a wide range of patient outcomes. Patients received the ‘medically safe’ typhoid vaccine and Wassermann test, while the more controversial insulin coma therapy, ultraviolet ‘rays’, sterilisation, and abortion posed serious health risks. Gender influenced doctors 'therapeutic rationale in most cases, while in other instances treatments strengthened the patient—doctor relationship by offering patients hope for recovery. The treatments prescribed to insane mothers remind us of the stark realities of experimental physical treatments in Australia's past.

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https://data.isiscb.org/isis/citation/CBB398151696/

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Authors & Contributors
Coleborne, Catharine
Davison, Sophie
Thabane, Motlatsi
Jane Freebody
Cahalan, Susannah
Matthewson, Mandy
Concepts
Mental disorders and diseases
Psychiatric hospitals
Therapeutic practice; therapy; treatment
Psychiatry
Patients
Health care
Time Periods
20th century, early
19th century
20th century, late
20th century
18th century
17th century
Places
England
Australia
New Zealand
France
Lesotho
Mexico City (Mexico)
Institutions
Manicomio General La Castañeda (Psychiatric Hospital)
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