Darwin on the emotions of the insane

Objective: The aim of this paper is to examine information regarding insane people and style of word use in The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals. Conclusion: Some of the observations about 19th century patients are not consistent with current observations. These discrepancies may have arisen due to different management practices. Some of these observations may have been or be mistaken. The style of words would be considered discriminatory by current standards. Darwin and his informants were of the highest moral and ethical caliber. However, attitudes and the style of word use has changed over the last century. © 2010 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.