Psychiatric Hospitals & Asylums in 1950s America 1953, 720p
Summary
TLDRThe script narrates the journey of Fred Clinton through the Oklahoma State Hospital, a mental institution. Fred, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, experiences fear and paranoia, believing others are against him. The hospital provides a range of treatments, including insulin shock therapy, occupational therapy, and recreational activities, which help Fred regain his mental health and prepare for a return to society. The story highlights the importance of a supportive environment in the recovery process and the hope for patients to reintegrate into their communities.
Takeaways
- 🏥 The script describes a mental hospital, referred to as a 'Bug House,' where patients like Fred Clinton are admitted against their will.
- 🔒 Fred feels trapped, believing that the hospital is a place where people are locked up and the key is thrown away, reflecting his sense of despair and entrapment.
- 🧠 Fred's mental state is in turmoil, with confusion about his identity and paranoia about others, including George and Betty, turning against him.
- 👥 The hospital is depicted as a place for people from all walks of life, including the elderly, disturbed individuals, and veterans, each with their own tragic stories.
- 🏢 The hospital is a self-contained city with facilities for treatment, work, and recreation, aiming to provide a comprehensive environment for patient care.
- 🍞 Work opportunities within the hospital, such as in the kitchen and laundry, serve as therapeutic activities for patients, helping them focus on the present and aiding in their recovery.
- 🏛 The script highlights the importance of a supportive and secure environment in the hospital, which is essential for effective treatment and patient well-being.
- 🩺 Fred undergoes a series of medical and psychiatric evaluations, including blood tests, x-rays, and specialized psychological tests, to determine his condition and appropriate treatment.
- 💉 Fred is diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and receives insulin shock therapy, which is a common treatment for his condition at the time.
- 🎾 Recreational activities are available for patients, such as movies, games, and sports, which help to alleviate boredom and provide a sense of normalcy.
- 🏡 Fred's recovery process includes occupational therapy, social interaction, and eventually, a return to work and home, with the support of the hospital staff and his family.
Q & A
What is the nickname given to the mental hospital in the script?
-The Bug House.
Who is the main character in the script, and what is his situation?
-The main character is Fred Clinton, who is in a mental hospital and feels that everyone, including his wife Betty, is against him.
What is the general atmosphere described in the mental hospital?
-The atmosphere is described as dark and oppressive, with the implication that once inside, one might never get out.
What are some of the reasons patients end up in mental hospitals according to the script?
-Some patients are old and unable to work, rejected by their families; others are disturbed and unable to care for themselves; and some are physically and mentally ill.
What is the role of the cafeteria in the hospital?
-The cafeteria serves plentiful and good food, and also offers patients work opportunities, which is part of their therapy.
What is the significance of the power plant's smokestack in the hospital?
-The smokestack, being 52 feet tall, represents the importance of power in the hospital, as it is essential for heating, lighting, and running various facilities.
What is the process for admitting a patient like Fred Clinton into the hospital?
-Fred was committed by court order, which is one of the methods for admission. He undergoes a series of medical and psychiatric examinations upon arrival.
What treatment is prescribed for Fred in the script?
-Fred is prescribed insulin shock therapy, which is a common treatment for schizophrenia.
What is the purpose of occupational therapy for patients like Fred?
-Occupational therapy helps patients draw away from their feelings of antagonism and suspicion, and move closer to reality, aiding in their recovery.
What recreational activities are available for patients in the hospital?
-Recreational activities include movies, games like dominoes or pool, sewing, getting a permanent wave, and participating in sports like softball.
What is the significance of Fred being granted grounds privileges?
-Grounds privileges signify that Fred is making progress in his recovery, as it allows him to be outside, work, and enjoy the sun and seasons.
What does Fred's return home represent for him?
-Fred's return home represents his successful recovery and ability to face the world again, despite potential judgment from others.
Outlines
🏥 Life in a Mental Hospital
This paragraph introduces the setting of a mental hospital, referred to colloquially as 'the Bug House,' where the protagonist, Fred Clinton, finds himself confined. The narrative captures his confusion and fear, feeling entrapped and misunderstood by those around him, including his wife Betty and his friend George. The script transitions to describe the broader context of mental hospitals, emphasizing their role as a last resort for the elderly, the disturbed, and those with chronic conditions. It outlines the variety of patients, from those requiring full care to those capable of limited work within the hospital's facilities. The paragraph concludes by highlighting the importance of a supportive and therapeutic environment for patient recovery.
📝 Admission and Initial Assessment
Paragraph 2 delves into the admission process and initial assessments at the mental hospital. It details the procedures for voluntary admission, certification by medical examiners, and court-ordered commitments, using Fred Clinton's case as an example. Upon admission, patients undergo a series of medical and psychiatric evaluations, including blood tests, chest x-rays, and neuropsychiatric checks. The paragraph also discusses the role of various hospital staff, from attending physicians to clinical psychologists, in diagnosing and treating patients. The focus is on the comprehensive approach to patient care, aiming to understand and address each individual's mental health needs.
💉 Treatment and Recovery
This paragraph outlines the treatment process for patients like Fred, who is diagnosed with schizophrenia, paranoid type. It describes the use of insulin shock therapy and other treatment modalities such as electroshock and hydrotherapy. The importance of a calm and secure environment for effective treatment is emphasized, as is the role of occupational therapy in helping patients reconnect with reality. The paragraph also touches on the individualized nature of treatment, with patients moving through different stages of care based on their improvement. The narrative highlights the hospital's efforts to foster a sense of normalcy and hope, offering recreational activities and social interactions to support patients' well-being and recovery.
🌱 Rediscovering Life and Preparing for Discharge
Paragraph 4 follows Fred's progress as he begins to show signs of improvement and is granted more privileges, such as grounds privileges. It discusses the various ways the hospital helps patients reintegrate into society, including work opportunities within the hospital grounds and family visits. The paragraph also addresses the emotional aspects of recovery, with Fred expressing a mix of pride in his progress and sadness at leaving the hospital. The narrative concludes with Fred's discharge, reflecting on the transformative impact of the hospital on his life and his newfound ability to face the world outside the institution's walls.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Mental Hospital
💡Paranoia
💡Insulin Shock Therapy
💡Electroshock Therapy
💡Schizophrenia
💡Occupational Therapy
💡Recreational Facilities
💡Adjustment
💡Personality Evaluation
💡Court Order
💡Recovery
Highlights
Christmas time in a mental hospital, a place referred to as 'the Bug House'.
Fred Clinton's struggle with identity and the perception of being trapped in the hospital.
The hospital as a place where people are locked up and abandoned, reflecting on the dark reality of mental health institutions.
The portrayal of the hospital environment as dark and oppressive, affecting the patients' mental state.
The story of Fred Clanton, illustrating a typical experience at the Oklahoma State Hospital.
The diverse backgrounds of patients in mental hospitals, including the elderly and those with physical illnesses.
The importance of proper care and a favorable environment for therapeutic treatment in mental health facilities.
The role of occupational therapy in aiding recovery, providing a sense of purpose and routine for patients.
The significance of the hospital's power plant and the pride patients take in its operation.
The modern mental institution as a self-contained city with comprehensive facilities for treatment.
The process of voluntary admission to a mental institution and the examination period that follows.
The various methods by which patients are admitted to the hospital, including court orders and medical certification.
Fred Clinton's experience with the admitting process, including recording his case history and undergoing medical tests.
The role of clinical psychologists in evaluating patients' mental disorders through specialized tests.
The treatment board's role in deciding on therapy methods for patients, such as insulin shock for schizophrenia.
The necessity of a calm and secure atmosphere to supplement various treatment methods.
The importance of recreational activities in preventing boredom and aiding the mental health of patients.
Fred's progress with insulin therapy and the supportive role of the psychiatrist in his recovery.
The granting of grounds privileges to Fred as a sign of his improvement and a step towards normalcy.
The preparation for Fred's return to the outside world, including discussions with his family about their roles in his adjustment.
Fred's reflections on his time at the hospital and the mixed emotions of leaving, despite his readiness to face the world again.
Transcripts
Christmas time the holidays is this the
way they end for me here in this place a
mental hospital they call that's a fancy
name that is but I know a better the Bug
House a place where they'll lock you up
and then throw away the key and now
they've got me too me Fred Clinton Fred
Clinton Fred Clinton is that really my
name
everything's so mixed
up these grounds these buildings they're
all so dark everything's dark even the
sky I'll never get
out that George he's turned them all
against me even Betty they keep talking
about me why won't they let me
alone
[Music]
oh my god oh no don't let them take me
in there I'll never get out oh God what
will happen to me
[Music]
now what will happen to Fred now what
happens to all of them the men and women
from from every Walk of Life who each
year pass through doors like this into
the Mental Hospitals of our land here in
the story of Fred Clanton and the
typical Oklahoma State Hospital to which
he came the spotlight focuses on these
[Music]
people many patients are old and often
theirs is a tragedy of hospitals such as
this the tragedy of fathers and mothers
too old to work rejected by their own
children clashed a scile and committed
to Mental Hospitals because there's
nowhere else for them to go yet given
proper care they can still adjust make
new friends to ease the passing of
[Music]
[Music]
years some patients are Disturbed unable
to care for themselves in normal life
situations others are physically as well
as mentally
ill many are capable of limited
adjustment able to work at very tasks
within the
[Music]
hospital there's the veteran returned
from years of service
overseas the farmer who had never set
foot outside his home County till he
came
here deterioration chronic conditions
limit hope for some others may go home
tomorrow meanwhile they're living here
3200 men and women all gathered together
in a modern mental institution a city in
itself complete with every facility for
effective treatment though shortages in
hospital Personnel do exist patients are
secure and comfortable and most of them
are happy for while mere custodial care
can never be enough a favorable
environment and human Comforts are
essential in any therapeutic
[Music]
system for most meals are served
cafeteria style food is plentiful and
good and investment in patient
Health just baking the bread for 3,000
people is a man-sized job
above all though these kitchen chores
offer patients work the therapy of busy
hands the laundry more chances for
patients to focus on specific realities
outside themselves first step along the
road that leads to recovery and
[Music]
release the patients tell you the power
plant Smoke Stack is 52 5 ft tall they
seem to take a personal pride in it
maybe because power is so important here
the sick must have heat and light
there's water to be pumped and food
cooked and laundry
washed patients must be housed and
today's new hospital buildings Center on
human needs and comfor Comfort whether
they provide living quarters or
treatment facilities whether they're for
convalescence older people the
tubercular veterans or occupational
therapy these modern structures are part
of a long range integrated plan to
improve conditions for all who live
within these
[Music]
grounds special units provide homes for
nurses and attendants for they too play
a vital role in helping patients to
regain Health in addition to the regular
staff student nurses come here to learn
to recognize and care for the mentally
[Music]
ill there are lakes for
fishing the hospital Farm Cuts operating
costs provides fresh trucks and dairy
products and the familiar scenes the
work help make patients from rural areas
feel at
[Music]
home they come from all sorts of homes
these patients all kinds of backgrounds
but somewhere along the line life became
too much for
[Music]
them some apply for voluntary admission
to the hospital one of the three
procedures by which residents may enter
a state metal Institution in Oklahoma
many former patients return of their own
free will when new troubles assail them
all applicants for voluntary admission
are held a minimum of 15 days for
examination before they may be
[Music]
released other patients are certified
for admission by two competent medical
examiners this is the second method by
which patients enter the Hospital under
the terms of Oklahoma's mental health
[Music]
law the majority however come by court
order committed either by a judge or a
six-man jury this was the case with Fred
Clinton Fred
Clanton oh yes how are you friend well
I'd be all right if they just left me
alone
well why don't you tell me about it you
can't fool me I know you're in with them
too
Fred I'm going to send you to the
hospital and if you will cooperate with
those doctors I think they'll be able to
do you some
good the admitting clerk records Fred's
case history as soon as he enters the
hospital takes care of valuables until
he sufficiently improved to be trusted
with
[Music]
them escorted to the receiving Ward by
an attendant he's bathed and
[Music]
outfitted he gets a blood test part of
the medical examination given each
patient on admission there's a chest
x-ray
also and a spinal fluid
test finally comes a neuros psychiatric
check designed to bring out data related
to the patient's mental
[Music]
disorder they're turning my wife you
know Betty against me they're taking up
all our time
why do you think they're doing you this
way
well I've been working on this for years
they don't know it but I'm on to
them you see if they can just get Betty
to team up with them and they'll all try
to get
[Music]
together a clinical psychologist gives
Fred a variety of specialized tests in
order to make possible a more accurate
evaluation of his total
[Music]
personality
[Music]
following the examination and testing an
informal meeting of the hospital staff
arrives at a tentative diagnosis of
schizophrenia paranoid type Fred
benefits from the skill and experience
of all members of the staff as well as
the psychiatrist to whose care he is
[Music]
assigned
[Music]
diagnosis and staff approval completed
the patient is transferred to a
treatment board for
[Music]
therapy
[Music]
in Fred's case insulin shock is
prescribed a common treatment for
[Music]
schizophrenia electroshock therapy may
be recommended for other
[Music]
disorders hydrotherapy is useful in
calming Disturbed
[Music]
patients so are sedative
packs but whatever the mode of treatment
it's essential that It Be supplemented
by an atmosphere of security and calm
the effective Hospital must always serve
as a refuge for its patients
a place where they can live quietly
during that period of reorientation in
which they learn how to achieve a better
adjustment to the world
[Music]
outside Dee of adjustment the level of
orientation varies sharply from Patient
to Patient some show a complete loss of
contact with the reality Dark Shadows
across disordered
Minds
in other words are light and life a
return from private worlds to the here
and
[Music]
now as patients improve they are moved
towards in keeping with their condition
they're given the opportunity for
contact with others who are also getting
better shown that their status as
individuals is recognized that no matter
what their problem there still is
[Music]
[Music]
Hope in Fred's case insulin therapy
brought relatively quick Improvement
close link with it helping further was
personal follow-up attention by the
psychiatrist directing his treatment and
[Music]
care
[Music]
occupational therapy reinforced shock
treatment help Fred to draw away from
his feelings of antagonism and suspicion
and move closer to
[Music]
reality boredom is always an enemy of
the metally ill now improving Fred
begins to take increasing interest in
the wide variety of recreational
facilities
patients enjoy movies just as much as
anyone and a hot game of dominoes or
pool or pingpong is always
[Music]
fun the sewing room's popular and a
permanent wave may serve as a milestone
of self-respect for many women in spite
of the bubble
gum
books mean so much to so
many Improvement brings added privileges
a more normal
life what could be better than an
afternoon softball
[Music]
game Friday dancers give Fred a chance
for contact with women on a social plane
help to spark his dormant Pride
religious services in the chapel offer
inspiration then there's the happy day
when Fred is granted grounds
privileges fine doctor as a matter of
fact I feel like going back to
work well uh you have to stay around the
hospital for a few days maybe we can
find you something to do here oh how
would you like to help us out around the
hospital here I don't know whether
there's much I can do or not we have
quite a few jobs that uh you could might
do for example you might uh work up the
dairy you might help out in the garden
or you might uh work over in the
cafeteria or we might even be able to
get you on the ground Pro ground prooof
yes sir I like that a lot I really would
well that's well you just report out
there in the morning and everything will
be all right in the morning yes
sir what a difference that makes at last
Fred can be outside once more working
enjoying the sun and the
seasons there are the days when visitors
come the chance to talk again with Betty
and George comes too and now somehow he
doesn't seem quite as bad as he did
before it's not too long till the
psychiatrist decides that Fred can try
it for a while at home he talks with
Betty and with George helps them to
understand that they two have vital
roles to play in aiding Fred to adjust
successfully to the world
[Music]
outside then the words pass to the
switchboard to call Fred
in
how well he
[Music]
looks a cigarette from the
doctor and Fred's hand is
[Music]
steady packing at last a man can be
proud of the things he's created with
his own two hands and a hospital can be
proud Too Proud to see a patient face
the world
as a man
[Music]
again so this is it today I'm going home
6 months it's taken if I'd come here
sooner I might have been out in three
but all I could think about was fear the
way everyone was all against me how much
I hated George how wrong I was or no not
wrong
sick and now that I'm well again I can't
help feeling just a little sad the way
you always do when you leave a place
where you've lived learned and
grown but I am well and I know it I'm
able to face the world again my own
Hometown I suppose there'll be some
folks who will stare and talk and sneer
but no matter what they say or do one
thing I know these people here this
place and time have given my life back
to
[Music]
me
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