Doing Harm or Doing Good? Some Reflections on the Impact of Social Work and Social Policy on the Mental Health of Commonwealth Immigrants to the UK in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

Earlier chapters have described some remarkable attempts to respond to the personal and social dilemmas presented by immigrants who became mentally ill. The illnesses they experienced would now probably be described as pychoses. Diagnoses were made, albeit at times in vague terms; some sufferers were placed in institutions and some were repatriated. There are examples of thoughtful and compassionate care as well as of harsh treatment. There is also evidence that some civil authorities gave thought to the appropriate response to immigrants who were found to be mentally ill.