History of Mental Illness from Coursera

Our lexicon of mental illness is immense: There currently are hundreds of classified disorders and an extensive assortment of medications and therapies. This course explores the history of this productive science -- its discoveries, classifications, and treatments of psychiatric distress. The excursion begins with a general introduction and proceeds to explore 4 kinds of mental illness: neurasthenia, depression, attention deficits (ADD/ADHD), and narcissism. Each kind is examined in terms of its scientific research and classification; treatments developed to cure or alleviate its symptoms; lived-experiences of those so diagnosed with the disorder; and critical reflection on the diagnosis.

This course departs from histories that mainly chronicle scientific achievements and, instead, invites you to investigate how the scientific discoveries and therapies were deeply informed by cultural conditions of the time. The cultural influences on psychiatric science include ideals of individual happiness; conceptions about what is ‘normal’; notions of rational personhood; and existing social, gender, and racial hierarchies/biases. We investigate these cultural dynamics and then look at the lived experiences of those who were diagnosed or living with the condition. Paying attention to culture and lived experiences accords with the perspective of “mad studies,” a recent movement to foreground the people who suffer and the socio-political conditions surrounding their experiences. Exploring cultural dynamics and lived experiences along with the scientific milestones prepares us to critically reflect on world of psychopathology and on psychopathology in the world. In our reflection classes we will ask, for instance, about the forces behind incredible increases in depression and attention deficit disorder; racial and gender biases in research and treatment; the apparent happiness epidemic; and the prospects of neurodiversity.

What's inside

Syllabus

Setting the Historical Context

Neurasthenia

Depression

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Investigates the scientific milestones, cultural dynamics, and lived experiences behind various mental illnesses

Examines the influence of cultural ideals, norms, and social hierarchies on psychiatric science

Taught by Jill Morawski, an experienced instructor

Covers various mental illnesses, including neurasthenia, depression, attention deficits, and narcissism

Explores historical, scientific, and cultural aspects of mental illness

Provides a lens of critical reflection on the field of psychopathology

Reviews summary

History of mental illness: critical & cultural lens

Learners say this course provides a brilliant, nuanced exploration of mental illness through a historical and cultural lens, significantly reshaping their perspectives. The instructor's lectures are consistently praised for being knowledgeable, engaging, and clear. Many found the unique 'mad studies' perspective to be deeply insightful and thought-provoking, challenging conventional views on psychiatric diagnoses and exploring cultural biases. However, a minority of learners felt this approach could be overly theoretical or somewhat one-sided, especially for those expecting more practical insights. The course excels in connecting historical context to contemporary issues.

Unique critical approach, but not universally appreciated.

"While the 'mad studies' perspective is unique, I felt it sometimes lacked balance."

"I struggled with the 'mad studies' angle. It felt a bit too niche or perhaps a bit too critical for my taste."

"The 'mad studies' perspective was new to me and truly insightful, challenging conventional views."

Instructor delivers complex topics with clarity.

"The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and engaging."

"The instructor's lectures were always well-prepared and delivered."

"The instructor does a great job of presenting complex ideas clearly."

Offers a unique, nuanced look at mental illness history.

"This course provides a brilliant, nuanced exploration of mental illness through a historical and cultural lens."

"The 'mad studies' perspective was new to me and truly insightful, challenging conventional views."

"It completely reshaped my perspective on mental illness. The approach of linking history with contemporary issues was superb."

Readings can be dense, requiring dedicated effort.

"Some of the readings were a bit dense, but overall manageable."

"Sometimes, the workload felt a little heavy with the readings, but they were mostly worthwhile."

"Some of the readings were really dry."

A deep theoretical dive, less focused on practical application.

"It's an interesting course, but perhaps a bit too academic for me. I was hoping for more practical insights..."

"It's quite theoretical, so be prepared for a lot of conceptual thinking rather than practical applications."

"I learned a lot about how mental health concepts have evolved. It's not a 'how-to' but a 'how-we-got-here'."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in History of Mental Illness with these activities:

Organize course notes and materials

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Improve organization and access to course materials.

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Gather notes and materials
Create a filing system
Review materials regularly

Create a case study of a mental illness

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Develop a comprehensive understanding of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of a specific mental illness.

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Choose a mental illness
Research the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
Write a report

Complete practice questions on mental illness

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Reinforce knowledge of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness.

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Find practice questions online or in textbooks
Answer the questions
Review answers

Four other activities

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Discuss mental illness with peers

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Exchange ideas and perspectives on mental illness with peers.

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Find a study group or discussion forum
Participate in discussions
Share knowledge and experiences

The Creation of Psychopathology

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Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical influences on the development of psychiatric diagnoses.

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Read entire book
Take notes on key arguments
Discuss with peers or instructor

Develop a treatment plan for a mental illness

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Apply knowledge of mental illness to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

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Choose a mental illness
Research treatment options
Develop a treatment plan
Get feedback from instructor or peers

Conduct a research project on mental illness

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Engage in independent research on a mental illness of interest.

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Choose a research topic
Conduct a literature review
Collect data
Analyze data
Write a research paper

Career center

Learners who complete History of Mental Illness will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. This course helps psychiatrists build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and treat their patients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help psychiatrists develop empathy and compassion for their patients.

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Psychologist

Psychologists assess and treat mental health disorders. This course helps psychologists build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and treat their patients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help psychologists develop empathy and compassion for their patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychologist

Social Worker

Social workers provide counseling and support to people with mental health disorders. This course helps social workers build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and support their clients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help social workers develop empathy and compassion for their clients.

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Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors provide counseling and support to people with mental health disorders. This course helps mental health counselors build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and support their clients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help mental health counselors develop empathy and compassion for their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Counselor

Psychiatric Nurse

Psychiatric nurses provide care to people with mental health disorders. This course helps psychiatric nurses build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and care for their patients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help psychiatric nurses develop empathy and compassion for their patients.

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Addiction Counselor

Addiction counselors help people overcome addiction to drugs and alcohol. This course helps addiction counselors build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and treat their clients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help addiction counselors develop empathy and compassion for their clients.

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School Counselor

School counselors provide counseling and support to students with mental health disorders. This course helps school counselors build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and support their students. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help school counselors develop empathy and compassion for their students.

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Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists work with the legal system to assess and treat mental health disorders. This course helps forensic psychologists build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and assess defendants and witnesses. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help forensic psychologists develop empathy and compassion for the people they work with.

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Neurologist

Neurologists diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system, including mental health disorders. This course helps neurologists build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and treat their patients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help neurologists develop empathy and compassion for their patients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurologist

Medical Doctor

Medical doctors diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, including mental health disorders. This course helps medical doctors build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and treat their patients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help medical doctors develop empathy and compassion for their patients.

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Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense medications to patients, including medications for mental health disorders. This course helps pharmacists build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand the medications they are dispensing and how to counsel patients on their use. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help pharmacists develop empathy and compassion for their patients.

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Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric technicians provide care to people with mental health disorders. This course helps psychiatric technicians build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and care for their patients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help psychiatric technicians develop empathy and compassion for their patients.

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Case Manager

Case managers help people with mental health disorders access services and support. This course helps case managers build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and support their clients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help case managers develop empathy and compassion for their clients.

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Peer Support Specialist

Peer support specialists provide support to people with mental health disorders. This course helps peer support specialists build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand and support their clients. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help peer support specialists develop empathy and compassion for their clients.

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Mental Health Advocate

Mental health advocates work to improve the lives of people with mental health disorders. This course helps mental health advocates build a strong foundation in the historical and cultural context of mental illness, which can help them better understand the issues facing people with mental health disorders and how to advocate for their rights. In particular, the course's focus on the lived experiences of those diagnosed with mental illness can help mental health advocates develop empathy and compassion for the people they are advocating for.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mental Health Advocate