Historical Context Flashcards
How was mental health historically viewed?
through a stigmatised lens
What was the consequence of social stigma surrounding mental health?
ineffective treatment
What are the key time periods?
1- Prehistoric
2- Ancient
3- Middle Ages
4- Modern (17th - 20th century)
What was the prehistoric belief about what caused mental health disturbances?
possession via an evil spirit
Who typically treated mental illness in the prehistoric era?
local town ‘doctors’
What were some treatments in the prehistoric era?
trepanation (drilling a hole into the skull)
What was the Ancient belief surrounding the causes of mental disturbances?
imbalanced 4 humours
What are the 4 humours?
- blood
- phlegm
- black bile
- yellow bile
What is an example of a correlation drawn by Ancients about the 4 humours and mental disturbances?
increased levels of black bile cause depression / melancholy
Who typically treated mental disturbances in the Ancient period?
monasteries and apothecaries for natural remedies
What are some examples of treatments in the Ancient period?
- urine testing
- blood letting
What was believed in the Middle Ages as the cause for mental disturbances?
possession by demons
Who typically treated mental disturbances during the middle ages?
priests
What was the treatment of mental disturbances in the Middle Ages?
exorcisms
What were the believed causes of mental disturbances in the Modern era (20th century)?
social tensions e.g., disliking a family member, practicing a different religion
NO CLEAR CAUSE
