Graduation Date
5-2015
Document Type
Senior Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
Humanities and Cultural Studies
Department or Program Chair
Chase B. Clow, PhD
First Reader
Robert Bradford, MA
Abstract
In examining the subject of mental illness, it is clear that diseases and disorders of the brain have not received the same degree of attention in the United States, over the years, as have acute and infectious diseases of the body. This thesis discusses the history of research and treatment of brain disorders, generally, with particular emphasis on schizophrenia, the most serious of mental disorders. The narrative includes the story of my aunt, who was schizophrenic. The objective of this thesis is to add another voice to the many who have asked that the bar on mental health research and treatment be raised significantly. A secondary objective is to include this paper as a chapter in the family memoir I hope to write.