Radical deinstitutionalization: Rousseau versus Freud

Abstract

Background & aims: This paper considers the policy of radical deinstitutionalization of the chronic, treatment-refractory mentally ill from the perspective of two theories concerning the nature of man and civilization.

Method: Two apparently opposing points of view are reviewed, that of J. J. Rousseau and that of S. Freud.

Results & conclusions: An extrapolation from these points of view suggests that neither would espouse a categorical view of deinstitutionalization in the context of current societal conditions.

Keywords:

• Chronic psychiatric illness
• deinstitutionalization
• state hospital
• civilization