Reformers like Dorothea Dix believed that individuals with psychological disorders should be treated as what?

Dorothea Dix was a prominent reformer who advocated for the humane treatment of individuals with mental illnesses during the 19th century. She believed that these individuals deserved to be treated with compassion and respect, rather than being subjected to harsh conditions as if they were criminals or outcasts. By viewing them as patients, Dix emphasized the need for appropriate medical and psychological care, rather than punishment or isolation. This perspective was revolutionary at the time, as many people with psychological disorders were often incarcerated in prisons or housed in asylums under inhumane conditions. Her efforts led to significant reforms in mental health care, promoting the establishment of mental hospitals that focused on treatment and rehabilitation rather than confinement. Thus, the idea of treating individuals with psychological disorders as patients underscores the importance of empathy and appropriate care in addressing mental health issues.