The development of psychiatric education in the United Kingdom

F E James

doi:10.1192/pb.15.10.631

Abstract

Although there was some specialist interest in teaching psychological medicine in the 18th century, it was the Asylum Acts of 1808 and 1845 which made the subject a speciality and was responsible for drawing attention to the need for undergraduate and post-graduate training. By 1827 Alexander Morison was giving lectures on insanity in Scotland, to be followed by Dr W. A. F. Browne who, in 1836, was giving a series of lectures at the Montrose Asylum which he repeated at the Crichton Royal Hospital in 1851. Dr D. Skae of Morningside Asylum also gave lectures and clinical demonstrations on insanity from 1846. Edinburgh students benefited from teaching in insanity by Thomas Laycock, professor of medicine following his appointment in 1851 (Crichton Browne, 1851).

Highlights

Real impetus was given to psychiatry in 1841with the foundation of the Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane, greatgrandparent association of the present Royal College of Psychiatrists
At the Annual Meeting of 1879a motion was passed that mental diseases should be included in the qualifying medical examination but the annual meeting of 1880 records the rejection of this proposal by the General Medical Council (GMC)
Sub-Committee resolved "Psychiatry should be placed on a sound scientific basis", and to this end suggested the Association approach universities with a view to establishing a diploma similar to those in Public Health and Tropical Medicine

Summary

Introduction

Real impetus was given to psychiatry in 1841with the foundation of the Association of Medical Officers of Asylums and Hospitals for the Insane, greatgrandparent association of the present Royal College of Psychiatrists. This did not entirely satisfy the association, for at a meeting of the Education Sub-Committee (1908), the advantages were con sidered of universities and other qualifying bodies making it essential that candidates should answer at least one question on mental diseases.

Results

Conclusion