Clinical Psychology

Chapter 20 - Definitions and debates in diagnosis

Definitions of abnormality are highly subjective, as 1 culture may find 1 thing normal whilst another culture might find it abnormal, so practitioners must use their language carefully to avoid discrimination.

HISTORY OF ABNORMALITY

Stone Age

• People believed supernatural/evil forces were the reason for mental disorders

• So they underwent trephination - removal of a piece of the skull bone.

The 4 humours (460-377 BCE)

• Hippocrates believed mentals disorders were like physical disorders. And that they were caused by imbalance of : yellow and black bile, phlegm, and blood.

• He believed that these issues could be resolved by living a healthy lifestyle.

705 CE

• The first hospital for mental disorders in Mesopotamia (modrn day Iraq)

Islamic Golden Age ( 8th - 14th centuries CE)

• Places for sick were made in northern parts of Africa and some parts of Spain.

• Treatment p