If you were a follower of Benjamin Rush, you would most likely agree with which of the following statements?
A) The mentally ill should be incarcerated and chained to prevent them from harming themselves or others.
B) The mentally ill should be treated through purging, bloodletting, and ice-cold baths.
C) The mentally ill will recover more quickly by living in the real world and learning to survive on their own.
D) The mentally ill should be given custodial care only, as their illnesses are incurable.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Benjamin Rush, a founding father of American psychiatry, believed in more humane treatment of the mentally ill compared to the standards of his time, but his methods included treatments like purging, bloodletting, and the use of ice-cold baths. These practices were based on the medical understanding of the era and were considered progressive compared to the more punitive approaches previously employed.

If You Were a Follower of Benjamin Rush, You Would