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The Evolution of Mental Disorder Treatments: From Ancient Exorcisms to Modern Psychotherapy

This article explores the historical treatment of mental disorders, highlighting the shift from supernatural explanations and methods, such as exorcisms and the use of holy water in the medieval period, to the emergence of moral treatment in asylums during the 18th century. It examines the impact of societal changes, including the industrial revolution, on mental health care. The article also discusses modern approaches like psychotherapy pioneered by Sigmund Freud and the integration of medication, emphasizing the importance of a multifaceted treatment strategy for effective mental health care today.

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The Evolution of Mental Disorder Treatments: From Ancient Exorcisms to Modern Psychotherapy

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  1. Treatment

  2. Evil gods, spirits, demons • An imbalance of fluids in the body • Physical ailments • Psychological (mind and emotions) problems • Genetics + environment • Childhood neglect • Abuse • Brain injury • Exorcism • Holy water • Potions • Destruction of the body • Asylums • Moral treatment • Psychotherapy • Physical Therapy

  3. How were mental disorders treated (THEN)? • Medieval period (A.D.500) • Exorcisms to expel the demons that possessed the sufferer • Prescription of holy water or potions • Destruction of the body in order to save the soul • Soul: The spiritual or immaterial part of a human being or animal, regarded as immortal.

  4. How were mental disorders treated (THEN)? • 15th- 17thcentury • Primitive ‘asylums’ offered medical attention for the mentally ill • Often overcrowded, low standards of hygiene • Care considered inhumane by modern standards

  5. How were mental disorders treated (THEN)? • 18thcentury • Moral treatment for the mentally ill: • Asylums became places of calm • Patients were treated with consideration and care • Rest, talk, prayer, and simple work were offered for recovery. • Only very caring, intelligent and considerate staff were hired.

  6. How were mental disorders treated (THEN)? • 19th century • Industrial revolution caused people to undergo very stressful living conditions • Asylums became feared institutions tucked away from centers of population

  7. How are mental disorders treated (NOW)? • Psychotherapy “the talking cure’ • Pioneered by Sigmund Freud (late 19th century) • Connected to religion- “cure of the soul”, psyche- meaning “soul”, therapy meaning “cure” • Priests used to act as psychologists • Any treatment that does not use drugs or other physical methods • Talking is the most important element

  8. Psychotherapy • Aims to alleviate distress through providing a healthy relationship with another person • Suitable for those with neurotic problems(sufferers are aware of the problem) and not psychotic problems (sufferers have lost touch with reality) • Provided by mental health professionals: • Psychiatrists, clinical and counselling psychologists

  9. How are mental disorders treated (NOW)? • Physical therapies • Many mental-health patients are treated within medical settings such as hospital clinics • Often involves the prescription of drugs • This form of treatment is more common of the western world (North America and Europe)

  10. How are mental disorders treated (NOW)? • In conclusion, effective treatment for mental health involves a combination of different strategies including: • physical treatments (medication) • Psychotherapy • Good social care

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