Background

• Historical views of mental illness

  • Supernatural view
  • Humoristic view
• Supernatural view


  Mental illness is caused by demons trapped in the skull that need to be released
• Humoristic view


  Mental illness is caused by an imbalance in the 4 humors (bodily fluids- blood, phlegm, yellow & black bile)
• Trepanning


  The surgical drilling of holes in the skull to allow the release of evil spirits
• Bloodletting


  The draining of blood to balance the 4 humors via leeches or lacerations
• Definitions of abnormality

  • Deviation from social norms
  • Failure to function adequately in normal life
• Deviation from social norms


  Abnormality is classified as behavior that goes against social norms, laws, expectations and social pressures
• Failure to function adequately


  Abnormality is classified as being unable to hold a job, maintain relationships, or look after yourself
• Classification systems for mental disorders

  • DSM (American Psychiatric Association)
  • ICD (World Health Organization)
• The DSM currently recognises around 300 disorders, the ICD recognises thousands of both physical and psychological disorders