One of the core reasons why “Outlast” became so scary was the context of the Mt.
Trenton State Hospital – Horrifying hallways of blood
It all started in 1907 when Dr. Henry Cotton was appointed medical director.
But after discovering that the bacterium that causes syphilis was the cause of some of the patient’s psychiatric symptoms, Cotton firmly believed that all psychological diseases come from bacterial infections.
What’s even more horrifying is that he also publicized his inhumane experiments, and was even praised, supported and covered by some people in the industry.
Danvers State Hospital – Prototype of Arkham Asylum
Denvers State Hospital for the Criminally Insane has been the inspiration for many horror works throughout history.
This hospital was built in the late 19th century, an ambitious and expensive project at a time when America was still struggling because of the costs of the Civil War.
However, things began to get worse since the 1920s and 30s of the last century, when hospital aid was cut, combined with an overload of patients, leading to serious deterioration.
By the late 1960s, some wards of the hospital were so degraded that they were almost in ruins, and the hospital finally closed in 1985.
Richardson-Olmsted Complex – Model for Mt.
The Richardson-Olmsted Complex was the direct model for the exterior design of the Mt.
Like other mental health facilities at the time, the Richardson-Olmsted Complex suffered from patient overcrowding and budget shortfalls.
Hannah 
Martin 
Logan