“In this part of the true horror, Mental American Monster The Sprawl of American Psychiatry, nineteenth century justifications of the use of solitary and confinement are made to the New York State Legislature. I believe that at least some of these questions of the mad doctors at the Utica State Lunatic Asylum from the New York State Legislature are a direct consequence of Phebe B. Davis (1855) a former inmate who upon her release published an expose about the practices of the state’s first taxpayer funded institution entitled, “Two Years and Three Months at the Utica State Lunatic Asylum.” In detail are some of the rules of the Asylums and discussion of the Utica Crib.
“There is a picture in this film of the Utica Crib credited to Dianne Frank that I found on Creative Commons and is listed as public domain. I played with the image and changed the colors, but I wanted to say I think the image of the Utica Crib that Frank captured was powerful and I am appreciative of Dianne Frank’s work and willingness to make her photo available for public use. I also own professional licenses for stock video through ArtGrid and audio through ArtList. If you would like to learn more about these terrific resources, just ask me. I am also available for small projects. Currently, Mental American Monster The Sprawl of American Psychiatry is an unfunded project. These videos are in part of a future campaign to gain support for this and other historical and contemporary work I (Lauren Tenney) and others who are choosing to work with me, are doing. Thank you for your time and attention.”
Lauren Tenney
Per Lanterna’s view:
In this sobering 13-minute documentary segment, psychiatric survivor and activist Lauren Tenney shines a lantern on the brutal origins of institutional psychiatry in America. Drawing from 19th-century legislative records and asylum rules at New York’s Utica State Lunatic Asylum, the film exposes how “mad doctors” justified mechanical restraints and solitary confinement to the state legislature.
Tenney highlights the notorious Utica Crib — a cage-like bed device used to immobilise patients — and references Phebe B. Davis’s courageous 1855 exposé written after her own involuntary confinement. The video argues powerfully that even without physical shackles, the act of institutionalisation itself represents a profound isolation from society, often without any crime committed. It frames these practices not as outdated relics but as foundational to psychiatry’s sprawling system of control.
The production is understated yet effective, relying on historical quotes, archival imagery, and a calm narrative voice that lets the disturbing facts speak for themselves. At just over 13 minutes, it serves as an accessible entry point into the darker chapters of psychiatric history.
For Per Lanterna readers seeking to understand why psychiatry has delivered more coercion than cures since its inception, this video is highly recommended. It reinforces the site’s core message: the “mental health” industry’s promises have long been built on shaky, often inhumane foundations. Part of an unfunded larger project, it deserves wider attention from those examining the real story of psychiatry.
1. The beginning of ‘modern’ psychiatry – a descent into hell
