2025-02-25
ROME - “Basaglia, Past and Present of a Revolution (Franco Basaglia. Passato e presente di una rivoluzione)” is a compelling Italian book that narrates the transformation of mental health care in Italy.
The book's description highlights how change can "bring hope where there seems to be only pain." It originates from the investigative podcast "Tutta colpa di Basaglia" that intertwines the past and present to examine the impact of Law 180 and the future of mental health in Italy.
The concept for this book emerged from "The Business of Madness" investigative project, which was supported by the Local Cross-border Grant programme. Ludovica Jona Lasinio was asked to write a book about her findings in the issue. The book includes "testimonies from patients, family members, and professionals, along with unpublished data and insights on the current psychiatric system," all while focusing on young individuals who are increasingly facing psychological distress and shortcomings within the care system. Special thanks to journalists Maria Maggiore and Manuel Rico Prada for their contributions to this project.
If you're curious to delve deeper into this subject and wish to purchase the book, click here.
Photo by Ludovica Jona Lasinio
