A movement emerges to label and diagnose cognitive disabilities and mental health disabilities through a moral lens. The focus then moves to the "cure" of "moral insanity" through intense behavioral modification that is particularly focused on punishment and isolation.

Dr. Prichard writes: “There is a form of 'mental derangement' in which the intellectual faculties [are uninjured], while the disorder is manifested principally or alone in the state of feelings, temper, or habits...The moral...principles of the mind...are depraved or perverted, the power of self-government is lost or greatly impaired, and the individual is..incapable...of conducting himself with decency and propriety in the business of life.” The term "moral insanity" becomes used as a diagnosis for anything not deemed as "decent."