History of Psychiatry

Abstract

Psychiatry has an exceptional place in medicine. This is due to the fact that it deals with different aspects of human beings. The history and ethics of psychiatry have become the subject of research because of the disciplinary characteristics of psychiatry. In this context, a brief but comprehensive framework of the history of psychiatry and psychiatric ethics should be presented in a book on psychiatric ethics. This section provides a comprehensive historical review of psychiatry and the evolution of psychiatric ethics, tracing the discipline’s metamorphosis from its earliest incarnations to contemporary practices. This study delves into the philosophical and medical perspectives that have shaped psychiatric thought, highlighting how ethical considerations have been deeply embedded in psychiatry since its inception. This section discusses the transformation of medical practices and the philosophical underpinnings of mental healthcare, reflecting on the evolution of patient care, societal attitudes, and the roles of medical practitioners. By examining key milestones and paradigm shifts, this section sheds light on the complex interplay between medical advancements and ethical considerations in psychiatry. It offers a nuanced understanding of psychiatry’s historical journey from ancient times to today and its implications for modern psychiatric practice. This is a preview of sub. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.