Penn researchers call for return of insane asylums

A paper by three Penn researchers has controversy written all over it with the title, "Improving Long-term Psychiatric Care, Bring Back the Asylum."

The paper, written by director of Penn's Scattergood Program for the Applied Ethics of Behavioral Healthcare Dominic Sisti and co-authored by bioethics department chair Ezekiel Emanuel and research associate Andrea Segal, has many in an uproar over a call for a return of insane asylums.

The reasoning behind it is that there is too little room for caring for those with mental illnesses and that many end up homeless or in prison without proper care.

"These individuals cannot help themselves or live independently, and they deserve a safe place to live with proper supports—not cycling between the streets, emergency departments, and prisons," the paper reads.

Speaking with Philly.com, Sisti said that they weren't trying to be provocative by using the word asylum.

"We're hoping to reappropriate the term to get back to its original meaning, which is a place of safety, sanctuary, and healing, or at least dignified healing for people who are very sick," he said to Philly.com.

For more on the controversy surrounding the paper, check out Philly.com. If you are interested in reading the paper itself, here's the link.

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