The History of Mental Illness: A Quick Overview
The history of mental illness is vast and varied, spanning ancient beliefs to modern understanding. Here's a quick overview: Ancient and Medieval Periods Ancient Civilizations : Early explanations often attributed mental illness to supernatural causes, such as possession by demons or the wrath of gods. Treatments included rituals, exorcisms, and trepanation (drilling holes in the skull). Classical Antiquity : Greek and Roman thinkers like Hippocrates and Galen began to attribute mental illness to natural causes, such as imbalances in bodily fluids (humors). They suggested treatments like diet, exercise, and bloodletting. Middle Ages : In Europe, the influence of Christianity led to a return to supernatural explanations. Mental illness was often seen as a moral or spiritual failing, and treatments included prayer, fasting, and confinement. Renaissance and Enlightenment Renaissance : The period saw a gradual shift towards more humane treatments and a focus on the natural causes of m...