As modern society grapples with the complexities of mental health, it becomes increasingly clear that our current approach to severe mental illness is failing. The rise in schizophrenia-related violence, including murders and attacks, highlights a pressing need to reconsider asylums as a humane and practical solution.

A Growing Crisis

Recent years have witnessed an alarming increase in violent incidents involving individuals with untreated severe mental illnesses. According to the Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA), individuals with schizophrenia are significantly more likely to commit violent acts compared to the general population when left untreated. The tragic consequences of these untreated conditions manifest in horrific attacks and murders, often targeting innocent bystanders.

The Failure of Modern Solutions

The prevalent "give them a pill and send them on their way" approach is grossly inadequate. Many patients, once diagnosed, are prescribed medication and released back into the community with minimal follow-up. This method not only fails to address the complex needs of those with severe mental illnesses but also places them, and society, at considerable risk. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, a significant proportion of individuals with severe mental illnesses are non-compliant with their medication, leading to relapse and potential harm to themselves and others.

Current mental health systems, heavily reliant on community care and outpatient services, often fail those who need the most intensive support. Jails and prisons have become the de facto asylums, with an estimated 15-20% of inmates suffering from severe mental illnesses. This not only fails the individuals but also places an enormous strain on the criminal justice system. Is this the best we can do? Warehousing mentally ill individuals in prison cells instead of providing them with the structured, long-term care they need?

The Case for Asylums

Asylums, when properly managed and adequately funded, offer a safe and controlled environment where individuals with severe mental illnesses can receive the comprehensive care they require. These institutions provide:

1. Continuous Supervision and Treatment: Unlike outpatient services, asylums ensure that patients receive round-the-clock care, reducing the risk of violent outbursts and ensuring medication compliance.

2. Specialised Therapeutic Environments: Asylums can offer a range of therapeutic interventions, from counselling and occupational therapy to recreational activities, tailored to the needs of severely mentally ill patients.

3. Protection for Society: By providing a secure environment for those who are a danger to themselves and others, asylums protect the wider community from potential harm.
   

Learning from the Past

Critics may argue that asylums have a dark history of abuse and neglect. While it's true that past institutions were far from perfect, this does not mean that modern asylums need to replicate these failings. With rigorous standards, transparency, and proper oversight, asylums can be reimagined as places of healing and safety.

Is it not possible to learn from the mistakes of the past and build better, more humane institutions? Should we allow past failures to dictate our future policies, or can we strive for improvement?

Addressing Modern Concerns

Modern psychiatry, with its advanced understanding of mental illness and improved treatment methodologies, is better equipped than ever to run humane and effective asylums. The key lies in commitment—commitment to funding, oversight, and continuous improvement.

Moreover, the ethical imperative is clear: allowing individuals with severe mental illnesses to languish without proper care is inhumane. Bringing back asylums does not mean a return to the dark days of mental health care, but rather an evolution towards more effective, compassionate solutions.

Treating Patients Before It's Too Late

One of the most glaring issues with the current mental health care system is the failure to act on early warning signs. Mental health professionals often wait until patients have acted on their disturbing thoughts before intervening, resulting in preventable tragedies. Instead of merely prescribing medication and hoping for the best, proactive measures should be taken.

Early intervention can significantly alter the course of a mental illness. Regular monitoring, counselling, and community support can help identify and address early symptoms before they escalate into more severe conditions. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) emphasises the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in improving outcomes for individuals with severe mental illnesses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the rise in schizophrenia-related violence and the evident shortcomings of current mental health care approaches necessitate a bold rethink. Reintroducing asylums, designed and managed with modern principles of care, offers a viable solution. It ensures the safety and well-being of both individuals with severe mental illnesses and the wider community.

Is it not time we addressed this crisis with the seriousness it deserves? Should we not strive for a system that truly cares for all its members, especially the most vulnerable?

By reconsidering asylums, we acknowledge that severe mental illness requires more than just fleeting attention until it is too late; it demands dedicated, continuous care in a safe and structured environment. It’s time to bring back asylums—not as relics of the past, but as beacons of hope for the future.