PSYC 3390 Chapter 2: Chapter 2.docx

• School: University of Guelph
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 3390
• Professor: Mary Manson- Hennig

Document Summary

Chapter 2: historical and contemporary views of abnormal behaviour. Early writings show chinese, egyptians, hebrews, and greeks often attributed abnormal behaviour to a demon or god that had take possession of the person. Main treatment for demonic possession was exorcism. Hippocrates, referred to as the father of modern medicine, denies deities and demons intervened in the development of mental illnesses. Insisted mental disorders had natural causes and appropriate treatments. Believed that mental disorders were due to brain pathology. Emphasized the importance of heredity and predisposition. Pointed out that injuries to the head could cause sensory and motor disorders. Hippocrates considered dreams to be important and developed a basic concept of modern psychodynamic psychotherapy. While he emphasized the natural causes of diseases, clinical observation, and brain pathology as the root of mental disorder, he had little knowledge of physiology. Medical practices had developed to a higher level. Pleasant surrounding were considered great therapeutic value for mental patients.