Questions and Answers
What term describes the idea that behavior is judged as normal or abnormal based on the surrounding context?
Which theory of mental illness involves the belief that mental disorders are caused by demonic possession?
Somatogenic theories of mental illness are primarily concerned with what aspects?
What is a significant consequence of a less cultural relativist view of abnormal behavior?
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Which of the following practices was historically believed to cure mental disorders?
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What is the focus of psychogenic theories in understanding mental illness?
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Which statement best summarizes the evolution of mental illness treatment over time?
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What kind of mental illness theories mainly attribute the condition to hereditary and physiological factors?
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How was trephination primarily used in ancient times?
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What imbalance did Chinese medicine associate with mental illness?
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According to ancient Egyptians and Greeks, what condition was linked to mental illness in women?
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What was the purpose of temple attendance and religious ceremonies in classical antiquity?
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What was Hippocrates’ view on the cause of mental illness?
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How did the treatment of mentally ill individuals differ throughout history?
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What categorized mental illness according to Hippocrates?
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What was a common treatment for someone deemed too temperamental according to Hippocratic theory?
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Which theory about mental illness persisted until the 19th century?
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Study Notes
History of Mental Illness
- References to mental illness have existed throughout history, highlighting a non-linear, cyclical evolution.
- Definitions of normal and abnormal behavior are contextual, influenced by time and culture.
Control and Silencing
- Abnormal behavior has historically served as a means to silence or control specific individuals or groups based on sociocultural norms.
- A less cultural relativist view focuses on behavior's threat level to oneself or others and its interference with daily responsibilities and relationships.
Early Treatments and Beliefs
- Trephination was an ancient practice where holes were drilled in the skull, believed to cure mental disorders by releasing evil spirits.
- Evidence of trephination dates back to prehistoric times, around 6500 BC.
Theories of Etiology
- Three main theories explain the origins of mental illness:
- Supernatural Theories: Mental illness attributed to demonic possession, displeasure of gods, curses, or sin.
- Somatogenic Theories: Focus on physical disturbances caused by illness, genetic factors, or brain imbalances.
- Psychogenic Theories: Center on traumatic experiences, learned associations, and distorted perceptions.
- Etiological views directly influence treatment approaches, ranging from exorcism for possession to blood-letting for humoral imbalances.
Historical Practices
- In 2700 BC, Chinese medicine proposed the balance of yin and yang as essential for mental and physical health.
- Mesopotamian and Egyptian texts (1900 BC) described women's mental health issues related to the "wandering uterus," treated with strong odors.
- Classical antiquity saw a revival of supernatural theories, with temple attendance and religious healing methods for treatment.
- The Hebrew perspective considered madness as divine punishment, requiring confession and repentance.
Hippocratic Contributions
- Hippocrates (460–370 BC) shifted the understanding of mental illness by separating it from superstition, linking it to imbalances of bodily fluids (humors).
- He classified mental disorders into four categories: epilepsy, mania, melancholia, and brain fever.
- Hippocrates viewed mentally ill individuals as not morally accountable and emphasized the role of family in their care, with no responsibility from the state.
- The belief in humorism persisted as a somatogenic theory until the 19th century.
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Description
Explore the cyclical evolution of mental illness throughout history. Discover how cultural norms and contextual factors influence the perception of normality and abnormality. This quiz dives into the historical references and societal reactions to mental health behaviors.
