This was a catch-all term for various forms of mental illness, often encompassing conditions like mania, melancholia, and dementia. 

These were specific diagnoses used in the 19th century, with the cause often being unknown. 

These terms referred to intellectual disabilities, with "idiot" being used for those with severe intellectual impairment from birth, and "imbecile" for those with less severe intellectual disability. 

This diagnosis was often applied to women and was used to describe a wide range of emotional and behavioral symptoms, sometimes for speaking out of turn or displaying "over action of the mind". 

Schizophrenia:In the past, what is now known as schizophrenia was often included under the broader term "dementia," which included delusions and hallucinations. 

Bipolar Disorder:While not always clearly defined, some symptoms of what is now known as bipolar disorder would likely have been classified under mania or melancholia. 

Major Depressive Disorder: Melancholia was a term used to describe a state of mental depression, and severe cases might be admitted to asylums. 

Epilepsy: Some asylums also housed individuals with epilepsy. 

Senile Dementia: Older individuals with cognitive decline were also often placed in asylums. 

Social Factors:In some cases, individuals were admitted for social reasons, such as being deemed "feeble-minded" or for behaviors considered immoral, especially in women. 

Overcrowding and Poor Sanitation:Asylums were often overcrowded and unsanitary, leading to poor living conditions and the spread of disease. 

Lack of Community Support: In some cases, individuals were admitted because their families or communities could not or would not care for them. 

Changing Definitions: Many of the terms used in the past to describe mental illness have changed meaning or are no longer used. 

Subjectivity and Abuse:Some diagnoses, particularly those related to women, were subjective and easily abused.

Custodial Care:Many asylums were more focused on containing individuals than providing effective treatment.