Today I posted a lecture on Historical Background. Before we go any further learning about psychopathology we must go back in time to see where we have come from. We have come very far, but probably still not far enough. In the lecture and chapter you will read about how mental illness was viewed over history. Once you have completed the readings please give me your feedback. Which part of history do you think was most influential and why? Which was the most interesting to learn about and why? ANSWER 150-200 Words

Unit 2: Lecture – Historical Background (Chapter 1)-2

Historical Background Video (Links to an external site.) (Link will open in new tab.) The following is a review of some of the concepts related to the historical background of psychology.

1. Mystical

Treatment of Mentally Ill Through History Video (Links to an external site.) (Link will open in new tab.)

Here abnormal behavior is explained by the operation of supernatural and magical forces such as evil spirits or the devil. Many people are exorcised in order to remove the evil from them. The Shaman or medicine man is someone who is believed to have contact with supernatural forces, and through this person you can learn which spirits are responsible for your problems and how to solve them. Trephination was a technique that was used as a treatment. It involved using a sharp tool to make holes in the skull so that the evil forces would be released.

2. Organic

According to this view people have psychiatric problems because their bodies are not working right. For instance, they may have an organic defect that affects a specific organ.

3. Psychological Perspective

Behavioral disturbances are caused by inadequacies in the way a person thinks, feels, or perceives the world. According to this perspective therapy can be very helpful.

We will read more about these perspectives in the next chapter.

I want you to review the influence of the following in the book:

The Ancient World:

Middle Ages

The Renaissance

Age of Enlightenment and Reason

The Reform Movement:

In addition, to knowing the contributions of the people, you should also be familiar with how people viewed psychiatric problems during these different times in history.

Pinel, Dix: Spinoza and Gall: Weyer: St. Augustine Homer, Hippocrates, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and Galen.