How Widespread Has Drug Use Been To Treat Mental Illness?

Early in the twentieth century, experiments were made with radical drugs the effect of which seemed well-nigh miraculous—but only for a matter of minutes or hours. Then the use of bromides became popular. But here also disillusionment set in. Concerning all such efforts we are told: "Despite the repeated shattering of the drug dream, physicians still hope eventually to alleviate man's inner strife by chemical means."
Particularly since the 1950's are mind-controlling drugs being used in the Western world. Some are said to be of greatest value in treating the schizophrenia, others to combat depression and still others to reduce anxiety.
The use of these drugs has made patients easier to handle and has eased their sufferings. However, it appears that the use of these drugs is being overdone and especially in institutions for the mentally retarded.
Drugs often are nothing but a crutch. They may actually delay rather than hasten recovery, and may even harm the nervous system. Thus, regarding drugs used to suppress violent patients, one psychiatrist found that 20 to 30 percent of such patients were showing deficient muscular control.