Clinical work, research and teaching: Nise da Silveira and mutations in Brazilian psychiatry

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to discuss the absence of the work of Nise da Silveira from the academic literature. As an introduction, we will describe two paradigmatic acts of hers. First, upon returning to the hospice in 1946 she refused to apply electro-convulsive therapy, had some of the infirmary beds taken out and created space for developing creative and expressive activities. Second, she designed and implemented an outdoor space called Casa das Palmeiras for treating severe cases of psychosis. Both these acts contradicted the clinicism and segregation practiced in asylums. In Silveira's professional practice, clinical and research were inseparable and she introduced the importance of aesthetic factors. This brought about mutations in Brazilian psychiatry and went far beyond the simple idea of reform. Studying her work is a way to counteract the mystification of her name. We are aware that a paper on such an important legacy is very limited, but we hope it will call attention to Nise da Silveira's work and generate interest in it. © 2009 Associação Universitária de Pesquisa em Psicopatologia Fundamental/University Association for Research in Fundamental Psychopathology.