A Characteristic of human behaviour is to understand, and give reason to observed behaviour. We all fear what we do not understand, which is perhaps why there is a general fear of mental disorder. The subjects of this ignorance have often been mistreated.

The early pioneers of medical and social change worked hard to improve attitudes to mental disorders and to the conditions in which sufferers were treated. Often this was of great cost to the reformers themselves.

This short introduction is for anyone working in the mental health or associated field, as well as the general reader, all of whom may not have been aware of the work of the reformers.

The book contains a brief description of mental disorders, an account of Western developments in Europe and the USA, highlighting the men and women who worked tirelessly to effect reform.