Chlorpromazine - unlocks the asylum

Schizophrenia is a debilitating illness that usually becomes evident during adolescence or early adult life and will affect some 7-8 individuals per 1000 during their lifetime. Most people think of this illness as causing hallucinations and delusions (false beliefs that others do not share). While true, many of the other difficulties faced by people with this condition are a result of altered patterns of thinking that make many everyday tasks very difficult, particularly those involving planning and problem-solving, and a related loss of motivation and drive.  

Modern medication is quite effective at controlling the hallucinations and delusions, but much less effective at helping with the other symptoms. Until the early 1950s, treatment was limited and patients would spend years, sometimes even the rest of their lives, in hospital. The literature from around 1950 focused on the place of electroconvulsive treatment, insulin coma treatment and psychoanalytical interpretations, with passing reference to trials of cortisone, deoxycortisone and ascorbic acid. None was particularly effective and 'treatment' consisted more of custodial management than therapy. The advent of chlorpromazine changed the whole environment in the psychiatric hospitals - almost overnight, control of symptoms and recovery were realistic goals.