Wallpaper and misdiagnosis

Why Gilman wrote the "Yellow Wallpaper" 

"But the best result is this. Many years later I was told that the great specialist had admitted to friends of his that he had altered his treatment of neurasthenia since reading The Yellow Wallpaper."

Having to "never to touch pen, brush, or pencil again" didn't give Gilman much opportunity for intellectual stimulation, no wonder she began to "read" the wallpaper. Gilman's misdiagnosis may have ultimately been a saving grace for other patients of Dr. Mitchell.She did acknowledge it helped at least one other woman. Things have come a long way in the treatment of mental illness since then.