Mental health treatment according to the asylum model (1960 TO 2000): Nursing professionals' statements

Abstract

Thematic oral stories developed from 2010 to 2011. The purpose was to describe the nursing professionals' experience in the treatment of patients with mental disorders according to the asylum model (1960-2000). The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, carried out by two baccalaureate nurses and four nursing assistants in a psychiatric hospital in the state of Parana. Data were analyzed and presented in categories in accordance with the proposal of thematic analysis. The staff reported the following types of treatment delivered to patients with mental disorders: drug therapy, cardiazol shock, insulin therapy, electroconvulsive therapy - seen as an important resource to control agitation - use of cubicles and strong cells as common practices in psychiatric wards, and praxis physical therapy as occupation. They also made reference to bed sheet restraint, straightjackets and bed restraint using cotton bandages. Although many of these treatments are now discontinued and criticized, they were available and used during the studied period.