Revista da SPAGESP
Print version ISSN 1677-2970
Abstract
BARROSO, Sabrina Martins and SILVA, Mônia Aparecida. Brazilian Psychiatric Reform: the way of the deinstitutionalization by the historiography. Rev. SPAGESP [online]. 2011, vol.12, n.1, pp.66-78. ISSN 1677-2970.
The Brazilian Psychiatric Reform Law (Law 10.216), also known as Paulo Delgado Law, was promulgated in 2001. However, since the end of the 1970s, scientific advances as well as political and social movements have promoted the process for psychiatric deinstitutionalization in Brazil, under the influence of other countries, mainly those from Europe. This article summarizes the important historical moments for the Brazilian psychiatric reform from the standpoint of historiography. Facts that influenced the change in the mental health legislation in Brazil and the participation of mental health professionals, relatives and people with psychiatric disorders in psychiatric treatment are addressed. We conclude that the Brazilian psychiatric reform is still in progress, struggling and creating questions. However, it is an essential step towards ensuring human rights and citizenship of people with mental disorders.
Keywords : Psychiatric reform; Mental health laws; Deinstitutionalization.