8. Athens Asylum for the Insane
While we know the word hysteria means something completely different now, back during the early days of this asylum, in the 1870’s, this was the diagnoses for women who exhibited strong emotions and showed signs of extreme sexual desire. Over 132 women were patients designated as insane during the Athens Lunatic Asylum’s (also known as the Ridges) run, with issues that included “menstrual derangements.” How did the asylum treat such conditions; by freezing, shocking and lobotomizing them until they were finally cured. One patient, Margaret Schilling, reportedly attempted to escape and hid in the attic, but unfortunately died of starvation. She is said to still haunt the asylum.
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