Athens Lunatic Asylum (AKA The Ridges), Athens Ohio

The Athens Lunatic Asylum, later renamed The Ridges, is located in Athens Ohio. The institution was open from 1874 to 1993 and remains the only Asylum still standing in Ohio. This 544 patient room facility was once the largest employer in Athens and is best known for being the original site of the controversial Lobotomy. Recovered documents revealed common practices within the Asylum included; hydrotherapy, electroshock therapy, the Lobotomy and use of psychotropic drugs.

In the annual report of 1876, common reasons for admission included; masterbation, intemperance and dissipation in males. In the early years, females were admitted for mental illness treatment caused by; puerperal conditions, change of life and menstrual derangement. Epliepsy, menopause, alcohol addiction and Tuberculosis provided adequate criteria to be classified as mentally ill and requiring institutionalization.

During the late 19th century, modeled after European standards of care and due to the great efforts of progressive leaders, treatment for mentally ill persons in the US began to shift. Lobotomies and other harsh treatment modalities were banned and much like the Tukes philosophy, patients were given working roles within the Asylum. Patients earned rights to roam the grounds, attend church services, plays and tend the farms and orchards. This movement created a sense of confidence and assurance in the general public. People quickly became comfortable with sending aging parents or teenager that were difficult to manage to institutions to receive what was known as great care, which quickly lead to over crowding, exhausted resources and decline in care. The pendulum continues to swing and the work remains in finding a balance.