The Retreat at York of 1796 – psychiatry in pictures

Fig. 1 From Samuel Tuke's Description of The Retreat, an Institution Near York, for Insane Persons of the Society of Friends, Containing an Account of its Origins and Founders, the Modes of Treatment, and a Statement of Cases (1813). Tuke outlined the regimen of care: the use of fear to control patients was rejected; patients’ attempts to control themselves were encouraged; individuals were treated as rational beings as far as possible; patients were not urged to reject their feelings and delusions; and a good diet, exercise, occupation and social activities were provided. In reviewing admissions, Tuke recorded patients with depression, mania and impairment of intellect, but there is no separate category of psychosis.