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The Evolution of Psychiatry and Its Societal Impacts
This chapter examines the changing perceptions of mental health within American society, investigating whether rising mental health crises are genuine increases in psychiatric disorders or simply a result of heightened awareness. It traces the historical trajectory of psychiatry, from its roots during the Gilded Age through the influence of the Rockefeller Foundation, to the impact of deinstitutionalization and neoliberalism. The discussion critiques the societal narratives around mental illness, emphasizing the need to address broader systemic issues rather than solely focusing on individual pathology.