<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>
where did the term mental illness come from
where did the term mental illness come from
the early 20th century
the early 20th century