The history of this psychiatric institution in Lede dates back to 1845, when the first psychiatric patients were housed here by the Maricolen sisters. Originally, the patients were male, but from 1848 onwards, only female patients were admitted. This would remain the case until the end of the 1980s. In 1893, the lunatic asylum housed 'only' 114 patients, but by 1945/1946 that number had risen to no fewer than 676 patients.

Due to the increasing number of patients, it became necessary to build an additional pavilion. The foundation stone was laid in 1936. The first patients and the Maricolen sisters moved into this building in 1938. Upon its consecration, the pavilion was named after Saint Dymphna. Central heating had been installed in this building, and hot and cold water were available.