title: [Mental illness in women in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (1870-1910)].
abstract: The relationship between female gender and mental illness is complex, remaining largely a product of women's social situation as daughters, wives, and mothers. The main objective of this article is to discuss the historical aspects related to mental illness in women in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1870 to 1910. The authors consulted records from several so-called insane asylums as well as periodical articles published during the period. These documents provide good insight into how psychiatrists and lay society interpreted mental disorders in women. The research contributes to an understanding of the historical issues related to diagnosis of mental illness and the implications for current practice.
authors.affiliation: Amigos da Memória do Hospital São Pedro, Porto Alegre, Brasil. cvirgili@pop.com.br
authors.forename: Cristiane Teresinha de Deus Virgili
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Vasconcellos
authors.forename: Silvio José Lemos
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Vasconcellos
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D049672:History, 19th Century; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000266:history*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000266:history*; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000266:history*