The word ‘psychiatry’ is originally derived from the Greek word psyche, a word used to refer to both the soul and the common butterfly. It is perhaps suggestive of the Greeks’ views of the human soul and inner thoughts that they selected a word which also described a beautiful but elusive creature. The Greeks are credited with writing some of the earliest manuals about mental disorder, although at this time most mental disorders were believed to stem from the supernatural. Rather than see doctors to help deal with their illnesses, individuals would instead be turned towards religious leaders. Since little was understood of the cause of mental illness, these leaders would often resort to exorcisms or elaborate rituals to purge the evil spirits from those afflicted.
During the middle ages, the first institutions catering specifically to the mentally ill were founded. In Europe, these institutions served more as holding facilities aimed to keep patients from harming themselves or others in the outside world. Little effort was given to treatment, as the nature of mental disorders was still very much misunderstood. In the middle east, however, groundbreaking work was being done in several nations, and doctors began to theorize that mental disorder could be related to or caused by similar circumstances which caused other known maladies. Looking at psychiatric issues as medical problems rather than supernatural causes was a major step in developing treatment programs. Arab and Persian doctors explored various new techniques, experimenting with medicines, music therapy, and salt baths.
It wasn’t until the late 18th century that the first humane treatment approaches were introduced to Europe. Philippe Pinel, a French physician, is widely credited for outlining these methods. Prior to this point, institutions in most of Europe were still little more than holding facilities. As the century turned, the rising impact of the University was felt, and psychiatry began to arise as an accepted field of study. Institutions across Europe and America began to spring forth, and as their numbers grew, the opportunity for widespread medical study developed.
The 20th century brought major changes to psychiatry and psychology. Improving technology and better medical understanding led some psychologists to theorize that medical disorders were organic in nature–rooted in biology rather than some malady which needed to be purged. This led to a much more sympathetic handling of patients, where the emphasis was shifted towards treatment and illness management rather than forcing a cure. The burgeoning development of neuropsychology and micropsychology helped to strengthen these theories, and modern psychopharmacology began to emerge.
Today, psychiatry is a diverse and complex field supported by psychological, medical, and pharmaceutical therapy approaches. while the field continues to develop and expand, doctors today have a much more concrete understanding of brain chemistry and the ways that medicines may interact with their patients, allowing them to provide approaches that are not only safer, but (most importantly) are much more likely to succeed.