Wounds of War: The Evolution of Psychiatric Care in France, 1950 - 2000's

My thesis explores the evolution of psychiatric care in France from 1950 to present day, focusing on how warfare has shaped its importance and development. By examining the experiences of psychiatric patients during France's most turbulent times, such as the German Occupation and the Algerian War, this thesis highlights this often-overlooked minority group. It traces the transformation of mental health treatment in France, from early institutionalized models to contemporary approaches that emphasize community care, trauma-informed treatment, and the advocacy for psychiatric services into broader healthcare systems. By analyzing key historical events, this thesis underscores the critical role that warfare and societal upheaval have played in advancing psychiatric practices, theories, and policies; and demonstrates how the scars of conflict have not only altered the trajectory of mental health care but also redefined the very understanding of psychological trauma in France.