historical views of mental illness

Outline an ancient views of mental illness

1. MI was viewed as caused by demonic / supernatural forces

2. behaviours like hearing voices, emotional distress or suicidal characteristics were signs of a person being possessed by evil entities

3. treatments focused on driving out demons through religious practices (exorcisms, prayers, sacrifices) or alternative methods (trephination - hole drilled in head)

4. mental illness not seen as medical issue, instead seen as spiritual problem therefore supernatural treatments

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