In which century were asylums first created?

Asylums as formal institutions for the care of individuals with mental illnesses started to emerge during the 16th century, particularly in Europe. This period marked a significant shift in the approach to mental health care, moving from confinement in prisons or poorhouses to creating dedicated facilities designed to offer treatment and care. The establishment of these asylums was influenced by the growing recognition of mental illness as a medical issue rather than a moral failing or a sign of divine punishment. This transformation laid the groundwork for subsequent developments in mental health care.

Understanding this historical context clarifies why the 16th century is recognized as the time when asylums began to be established. Earlier centuries lacked the infrastructure or philosophical framework to support such institutions, while the 18th and 20th centuries saw further evolution and reforms in mental health treatment, building on the foundations laid in the 16th century.