Psychiatric History: From Sanctuary to Stigma
Scientifically Reviewed · Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim · August 30, 2026
Medically & Scientifically Reviewed
Verified: August 30, 2026
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This content undergoes rigorous scientific peer-review and medical editorial standards at Arab Psychology Network to ensure clinical accuracy, validity, and compliance with evidence-based guidelines from leading psychological and healthcare authorities (APA / WHO).
n. originally, these structures were designed as a refuge for criminals (from Greek asylon, sanctuary). From the 19th century onwards, the terms asylum or insane asylum were applied to mental institutions, which housed people with intellectual disabilities and serious mental illness. These names are now obsolete, and have discarded because of their emphasis on negative consequences.
ASYLUM: “A person who resided in an asylum historically was either a criminal or suffered serious mental illness.”
