A lunatic asylum, historically known as a mental institution, was a facility designed to care for individuals with mental illnesses. These institutions aimed to provide treatment and support, often through various therapies and activities. The term "lunatic" is derived from the belief that mental illness was linked to the phases of the moon. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, many asylums were established, often becoming overcrowded and underfunded. Over time, the approach to mental health care evolved, leading to the closure of many asylums and a shift towards community-based treatment and the use of medications, reflecting a more humane understanding of mental health, including figures like Dorothea Dix who advocated for reform.