<P> Asylum superintendents sought to improve the image and medical status of their profession . Asylum `` inmates '' were increasingly referred to as `` patients '' and asylums renamed as hospitals . Referring to people as having a `` mental illness '' dates from this period in the early 20th century . </P>
<P> Asylum superintendents sought to improve the image and medical status of their profession . Asylum `` inmates '' were increasingly referred to as `` patients '' and asylums renamed as hospitals . Referring to people as having a `` mental illness '' dates from this period in the early 20th century . </P>
when was the term mental illness first used
when was the term mental illness first used
the early 20th century
the early 20th century