PS101 Chapter Notes - Chapter 15: General Paresis Of The Insane, Demonic Possession, Moral Treatment
Document Summary
Field devoted to scientific study of psychological disorders. In a given year, at least 20% of adults in canada experience serious psychological disturbances. In ancient times, madness was seen as a sign of demonic possession or of witch/warlock status. Cures included casting out evil spirits by burning or drowning. Lack of understanding of the causes of mental illness led to a general belief that afflicted individuals were of inferior character. People treat mentally ill people as less than human. In 1700s in uk, families that could not afford care hid their mentally ill relatives away and cared for them in isolation. Reform movements did not gain ground until a clear connection was made between physical illness and madness. Memory loss (short and long term), impairment of judgement, decreases in motivation and language. Later symptoms include delusions and hallucinations, inappropriate moods and anger. Eventually leads to full-blown dementia, seizures and death.
