Thinking About Different Historic Definitions of Psychopathology, and their Legitimacy Today
Subject’s Description
At the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, different psychopathological conditions
could be differentiated. Definitions of hysteria, madness, neurosis, affective disorders, substance relateddisorders and eating disorders already existed in the 20th century as the result of the observations of major
clinicians. These definitions emerged the from the theories of Dr Pierre Janet, Dr Philippe Pinet in France, Dr
Karl Kahlbaum in Germany, among others. The definitions existing at the time explained the main
characteristics (i.e., symptomatology) of different mental disorders and their treatment and the very definition of
these mental conditions. This essay relies on your understanding of these definitions and your ability to criticize
them today in the light of what we know about psychopathology.
Questions to Address
From the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, define the features that differentiated
conditions described as madness, affective disorders, hysteria, substance-related disorders and eating
disorders. How could a clinician at the time differentiate these states? In your paper, give the historical context
of these definitions, mentioning if they relate to the work of a specific clinician and/or if they have been inspired
by ancient theories (i.e., ancient Greek medical knowledge, religious or popular beliefs). Criticize all these
definitions as respond to the following questions. In the light of recent discoveries, are these definitions of
psychopathology still accurate? Can they still be used as diagnostic labels? Whatever your answer, please
explain using academic references
Sample Solution