Reform of care for people with mental illness in two German states before reunification: An oral history approach

Hist Psychiatry. 2026 Mar 8:957154X251392921. doi: 10.1177/0957154X251392921. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Between 1960 and 1985 efforts to reform psychiatry took place in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). Although to differing degrees, these efforts showed parallel approaches, for example with regard to negotiations on coercion or the participation of mentally ill people. Oral history interviews conducted with contemporary witnesses from both states suggested changes in the direction of the reform of psychiatry and progress in social participation during the period. Contrasting historical sources with the interviews reveals a dissonance that can be understood in terms of discourse theory. Initial results indicate a convergence, across different political systems, toward improving social participation. Future research would benefit from cross reading this study’s results with other sources.

PMID:41795695 | DOI:10.1177/0957154X251392921