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Jill Morawski

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.

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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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Setting the Historical Context
Neurasthenia
Depression
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Deficits of Attention
Narcissism

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, 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

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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
Improve organization and access to course materials.
Show steps
  • Gather notes and materials
  • Create a filing system
  • Review materials regularly
Create a case study of a mental illness
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of a specific mental illness.
Show steps
  • Choose a mental illness
  • Research the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment
  • Write a report
Complete practice questions on mental illness
Reinforce knowledge of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness.
Show steps
  • Find practice questions online or in textbooks
  • Answer the questions
  • Review answers
Four other activities
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Show all seven activities
Discuss mental illness with peers
Exchange ideas and perspectives on mental illness with peers.
Show steps
  • Find a study group or discussion forum
  • Participate in discussions
  • Share knowledge and experiences
The Creation of Psychopathology
Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical influences on the development of psychiatric diagnoses.
Show steps
  • Read entire book
  • Take notes on key arguments
  • Discuss with peers or instructor
Develop a treatment plan for a mental illness
Apply knowledge of mental illness to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Show steps
  • Choose a mental illness
  • Research treatment options
  • Develop a treatment plan
  • Get feedback from instructor or peers
Conduct a research project on mental illness
Engage in independent research on a mental illness of interest.
Show steps
  • 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in History of Mental Illness.
This classic work by Michel Foucault provides a comprehensive overview of the history of mental illness from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, diagnosis, and treatment of attention deficit disorder.
Comprehensive guide to narcissistic personality disorder. It provides detailed information on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this disorder.
Personal and historical account of depression. It explores the causes, symptoms, and treatments of this condition.
Provides a social history of madness in modern Britain. It explores the ways in which the asylum has been used to control and treat mental illness.
Critical history of psychiatry. It argues that psychiatry form of social control rather than a scientific discipline.
Provides a personal account of the author's experience with mental illness and his journey to recovery.
Personal account of the author's year-long experiment in happiness. It provides practical tips on how to increase happiness in your life.

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