Investigations into the Past of Family Members in Psychiatric Institutions

Paris – 20.06.2026: In recent years, requests from descendants seeking information about their ancestors placed in psychiatric institutions have notably increased. This development reflects a growing interest in uncovering family secrets and understanding the often painful past.

For example, the number of genealogical inquiries to the archives of Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) rose from 436 in 2023 to 579 in 2025. This increase shows the rising need to reconstruct and comprehend family history.

A remarkable example is the story of Nastasia Time, who spent seven years researching the past of her great-aunt Hélène. Hélène was admitted to a psychiatric institution in 1939 at the age of 19 with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and spent 11 years there until she died of tuberculosis in 1950. Through her research, Nastasia uncovered harrowing details about the conditions under which her great-aunt lived and was thus able to develop a better understanding of the family history.

Such investigations can, however, be emotionally taxing. Discovering family secrets or traumatic events from the past can be difficult for descendants to process. Nevertheless, these searches offer the opportunity to obtain a fuller picture of family history and to gain a deeper understanding of one’s roots.

For those who wish to conduct similar research, various resources are available. Online platforms like Filae.com provide access to digitized French archives, including civil registration records, censuses, and military archives. These tools enable users to reconstruct their family history and learn more about their ancestors.

It is important to note, however, that access to certain information, especially medical or psychiatric records, may be restricted by privacy laws. In some cases, these records can only be viewed after a certain period or under specific conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize oneself with the applicable legal regulations before beginning research.

In summary, exploring family history by uncovering secrets from the past can be a valuable tool for understanding one’s own identity. Despite the potential emotional challenges, this journey provides a chance to better understand one’s origins and keep the stories of ancestors alive.

For further information and support with genealogical research, specialized organizations and archives can be consulted. They offer advice and access to resources that can aid in decoding family history.