Historical trajectory of the psychiatric reform in Portugal and in Brazil

Abstract

Background: Both in Portugal and in Brazil, psychiatric care require political, social, cultural, administrative and legal initiatives so as to positively transform the relationship between society and the mental patient. Objective: To analyse the historical trajectory of the Psychiatric Reform in Portugal and in Brazil. Methodology: Historical research. Written documents (Laws, Decree-Laws, reports) and articles published on the topic were used as primary sources for analysis, and two subcategories were created: Historical Trajectory of the Psychiatric Reform in Portugal and in Brazil, and Creation of the extra-hospital devices implemented in Portugal and in Brazil. Results: Dehospitalisation and the creation of extra-hospital devices were a great challenge for both countries right from the beginning. This required the investment in human and economic resources with a view to reformulate a model considered to be outdated. Conclusion: Both countries advocated for the dehospitalisation and the promotion of psychiatric care in primary healthcare settings, as they believed that this would be the best way to integrate people with mental disorders in society and rescue their social identity.