Benjamin Rush and American psychiatry

Journal/Book: American Journal of Psychiatry. 1994; 151: 65-73.

Abstract: Originally written in 1944, this essay reviews the contributions of the 18th-century American physician, B. Rush. Rush introduced new practices into general medicine, giving psychiatry preeminence in his teaching and writing. He was a founder of the American Anti-Slavery Society, a crusader against alcoholism, a member of the Continental Congress, and a convinced republican. He wrote a book on mental diseases that covered both general psychology and specific diseases of the mind while avoiding the late 18th-century attempt to classify diseases. Rush's recommended treatments for mental illness showed him to be ahead of his time and included occupational therapy, music, and travel. He also emphasized the importance of physicians treating patients with dignity, truthfulness, sympathy, and respect. (0 ref)

Note: contributions to American psychiatry; physician B. Rush; reprint of 1944 article

Keyword(s): History ; psychiatry ; physicians

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