1954 French psychiatric hospitals
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Images from psychiatric hospitals move me more than anything else. In 1954 Jean-Philippe Charbonnier documented French Psychiatric hospitals, some of the most powerful images were not published at the time due to the sensitivities of the 1950s. |
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One reason these images are moving is because this psychiatric environment is not very familiar to us. The image you've chosen refers to me to electroconvulsive therapy (sometimes referred to as electro-shock) involves passing sufficient electricity through the body of a patient to induce a seizure. It is currently used as a last resort for individuals with tendencies towards self-mutilation and, in some conditions, to treat depressive disorders.
It is still used in psychiatric department. I think it is controversial because of all the abuse of the treatment. There also must be other treatment. My take on it is that in electroconvulsive therapy the patient is passive and a therapist administers the stimulus, there could be method where the patient could have control over his own seizures ...
Truly fascinating photography. Very strong images of course, but inspiring nonetheless.
About electroshock therapy, I am no expert, but it seems there are some localized low-voltage variants available today that have the desired effect without the patient needing invasive therapy.