A literary exploration of British cultural attitudes to psychiatry during the late 1800s and their development over the following century

Abstract

Introduction

British psychiatry was in its embryonic stage in the late nineteenth century. Early psychiatrists employed radical treatments with little success and not much is documented about public attitudes. Using fictional depictions of madness and physicians allows us to explore cultural attitudes to psychiatry at the time.

Objectives

First, to analyze the portrayal of madness and physicians in the island of Dr. Moreau and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; second, to use this to provide insight into the public opinion of psychiatry and third, to evaluate the development of attitudes using twentieth century media.

Aim

To provide an insight into the social perspective of mental illness in the late nineteenth century and consider its evolution over the last one hundred years.

Methods

Two famous, well-received novels of the time were chosen for analysis. Historical knowledge of the period was sought using JSTOR, NHS Scotland's The Knowledge Network and Google Scholar. Novels and media depictions were analysed in relation to the scientific understanding at the time.

Results

The novels show two ways of control: surgical (Moreau) and chemical (Jekyll). Both are unsuccessful, as were physician's attempts in reality. The narrators’ concerns mirror the cultural anxiety at the time surrounding containment and treatment of mental illness. Media portrayal of cruel, unsuccessful treatment continues throughout the twentieth century.

Conclusions

Nineteenth century cultural attitudes to mental illness show a distinct anxiety and concern with barbaric treatments and their inefficacy. Despite psychiatric progress, the media have continued to portray mental illness and its treatment in a negative light, suggesting continued levels of societal concern.

Disclosure of interest

The author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.