A Historical Perspective Into Mental Health Policies and the Emergence of Teenage Mental Health
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.2450Abstract
Psychiatric care in the United States has experienced a turbulent history characterized by the effects of industrialization and societal stigma. Historically, individuals with mental health conditions were confined to facilities lacking adequate staffing and resources, leading to an inherently ineffective system. The conditions within these institutions, along with the well-being of patients, remained largely neglected until significant attention arose in the late 1960s. During the 1970s, the process of deinstitutionalization introduced alternative methods for addressing mental health needs. This article seeks to examine prior policies and historical trends, focusing particularly on developments from the 1980s to the present, to provide insights into future directions for mental health care. Emphasis will be placed on the growing prevalence of mental health issues among younger populations, analyzing the effectiveness of past and present policies. This review aims to identify actionable strategies for policy improvement and underscore the pressing need for increased awareness and support systems tailored to evolving mental health challenges.
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