Dizem que sou louco: o caso Damião Ximenes e a reforma psiquiátrica em Sobral/CE

Abstract

The death of an internal from violence in a psychiatric hospital in Sobral-Ce, in October 1999, and the legal and health implications caused by this event that was known as the case Ximenes Lopes is the object of this thesis. The death of Damião in Guararapes Rest Home triggered the first brazilian conviction in the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and demanded a change in dealing with mental health in the municipality. The change was driven by the international repercussions of his death, even as a political action, but had as foundation the ideals of the movement of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform. This thesis aims to the story of Damião and how his family publicized his death in pursuit of what they considered justice taking the case to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights as well as how the municipality of Sobral responded to the accusations that have been imputed. In nine months, the hospital-centered structure of the city was dismantled and in its place emerged a series of health equipment, which, through networks, reorganized the proposal of patient care in psychological distress. It is relevant to discuss the progress made in the health of the Municipality with this change, but also not fail to analyze the limitations that go through the implementation of a complex and innovative public policy.