Research

Utica State Hospital Patient Case Files


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Overview of the Records

Repository:

New York State Archives
New York State Education Department
Cultural Education Center
Albany, NY 12230

Summary:
This accretion consists of case files for patients admitted to Utica State Hospital from 1843 to 1898. Earlier records are completely narrative; later records include printed forms with information added. Information on each patient includes patient number; name; residence; date admitted or readmitted; marital status; number of children; occupation; medical history; heredity; physical health; habits; appetite; sleeping habits; weight gain and loss; visits by relatives; and periodic updates on condition. FIles occasionally include patient photographs beginning about 1887 and with greater frequency in ensuing years.
Creator:
Title:
Utica State Hospital patient case files
Quantity:

36 cubic feet

Quantity:

104 volume(s)

Inclusive Dates:
1843-1898
Series Number:
14231_96

Arrangement

Chronological by admission date.

Scope and Content Note

This accretion consists of 104 bound volumes of case files for patients admitted to Utica State Hospital from 1843 to 1898. Earlier records are completely narrative; later records include printed forms with information added.

Information on each patient includes a consecutive patient number; name; county and municipality of residence; indigent, pauper or private patient status; date admitted or readmitted; marital status; number of children; occupation; patient history (including supposed cause of mental illness and duration of symptoms); heredity (mentally ill relatives); bodily health; medication given; floor assigned to; notes on excitable, violent, or filthy behavior; habits; appetite; sleeping habits; weight gain and loss; visits by relatives; and periodic updates on condition.

Photographs of patients are included beginning about 1887, and are more frequently included in following years. Other documents frequently enclosed or tipped into the case records include abstracts of commitment orders and other legal documents; correspondence to and from patients; newspaper clippings; and case histories given by friends, relatives, or officials escorting the patient to the hospital.

Other Finding Aids

Available at Repository

Each volume contains an alphabetical name index.

Volume list showing patient number, gender, and admission date is available at the repository.

Custodial History

These records were transferred to the State Archives from the Mohawk Valley Psychiatric Center on September 26, 1996.

Access Restrictions

Restricted in accordance with Mental Hygiene Law, Section 33.13, relating to confidentiality of clinical records. Access is permitted under certain conditions upon approval by the Office of Mental Health.