Historical Methods of Treating Mental Illness and Modern Approaches

Throughout history, various methods have been used to treat mental illness. From ancient practices involving trephination and exorcisms, to more contemporary treatments like psychotherapy and medication, the journey of treating mental illness has evolved significantly over time.

Ancient Practices

Trephination is one of the earliest known methods used to treat mental illness. Dating back to around 7000 years ago, this practice involved removing a small part of the skull using an auger bore or saw. It was often performed to relieve headaches and treat what was believed to be demonic possession. Although the exact origins and methods of trephination are not fully understood due to a lack of concrete evidence, it indicates an early attempt to alleviate mental distress by altering the physical structure of the brain.

In ancient Greece, Claudius Galen proposed that disease stemmed from imbalanced humors in the body. His ideas were adopted by Thomas Willis, who further applied this concept to the treatment of mental illness. Willis believed that the internal biochemical balance was behind mental disorders and that activities such as bleeding, purging, and even vomiting could correct these imbalances. This practice was not limited to mental illness; it was also used to treat a wide range of ailments, including diabetes, asthma, cancer, cholera, smallpox, and stroke.

Exorcisms

During ancient times, mental illness was often attributed to possession by evil spirits. To cure these individuals, exorcisms were performed. Common methods included burning incense, chanting prayers, and sprinkling holy water around the patient. These practices, rooted in religious beliefs, sought to expel the evil spirits believed to be the cause of the mental distress.

Modern Understanding and Treatments

As our understanding of mental health has evolved, we now recognize that mental health problems are primarily caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, not by demonic possession. Medications that address these chemical imbalances have become instrumental in treating mental illnesses. However, not everyone responds well to medication. For such individuals, alternative treatments such as acupuncture, hypnosis, and yoga may provide relief.

The historical view of mental illness as a spiritual or demonic problem is still prevalent in some parts of the world. However, in the 1790s, there was a shift towards viewing mental illness as having a physical or emotional cause, leading to the establishment of asylums to house and care for severely ill individuals. By the early 20th century, doctors began to study the mind and explore various treatments, including rest and keeping patients away from stressors.

In the 1940s, electroshock therapy emerged as a treatment for severe depression, and it is still used today for cases of major depressive disorder and other severe mental illnesses. The 1960s marked the beginning of mental treatments with pills, and psychotherapy gained prominence as a primary treatment method.

Today, a combination of medication and psychotherapy is commonly used to treat mental illnesses. Despite these advancements, mental health professionals still face challenges in effectively treating these conditions, emphasizing the need for continued research and innovative approaches.