Forms of treatment used for the mentally unstable:
Asylums. Electroshock Therapy. Skull Drills. Pills. Exorcisms. Isolation. Lobotomies. Many of the drastic procedures that have been put in place to relieve a person of mental illness are only successful in creating ‘vegetables’ out of patients, not curing their illness but making them ghosts of their previous selves. Throughout history, there have been radical changes in how the mentally ill are treated and cared for; most of these occurred because of changing societal views and knowledge of mental illness. These changes have brought psychiatrics out of a negative light and have given psychiatric studies a brighter, more positive outlook. The history of treating mental illnesses dates as far back as 5000 B.C.E. with the evidence of “trephined skulls.”The most commonly believed cause, demonic possession, was treated by chipping a hole, or “trephine”, into the skull of the patient by which “the evil spirits would be released,” therefore healing the patient.
How would doctors treat the following mental disorders today?
Depression:
There are treatment options for depression that may work for you. One way of treating depression may be to affect the levels of certain chemicals that brain cells use to communicate, called neurotransmitters. Scientists believe that certain neurotransmitters may be out of balance in depression.Although the exact way depression medications shown to help ease overall depression symptoms in some people work is unknown, scientists think that some medications work by affecting the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain. Other treatments work by affecting the levels of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine.
OCD
The most effective treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behavior Therapy and medication. More specifically, the most effective treatments are a type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention, which has the strongest evidence supporting its use in the treatment of OCD, and a class of medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRIs. Exposure and Response Prevention is typically done by a licensed mental health professional (such as a psychologist, social worker, or mental health counselor) in an outpatient setting. This means you visit your therapist’s office at a set appointment time once or a few times a week. Medications can only be prescribed by a licensed medical professionals (such as your physician or a psychiatrist), who would ideally work together with your therapist to develop a treatment plan.
Bipolar Disorder
Treatment for bipolar depression has come a long way from the days when patients were given sedatives and medications with numerous side effects. Today, mood stabilizing drugs are a mainstay treatment for bipolar disorder. Doctors may prescribe lithium, an antimanic drug, or an antipsychotic drug -- or a combination of both -- in order to alleviate symptoms of depression without triggering a manic episode. While depression episodes are far more common than manias and have a tremendous effect on the lives of patients, there are only a few established treatments for bipolar depression.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have subsided. Treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help manage the condition. In some cases, hospitalization may be needed. A psychiatrist experienced in treating schizophrenia usually guides treatment. The treatment team also may include a psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse and possibly a case manager to coordinate care. The full-team approach may be available in clinics with expertise in schizophrenia treatment. Medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, and antipsychotic medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs. They're thought to control symptoms by affecting the brain neurotransmitter dopamine. The goal of treatment with antipsychotic medications is to effectively manage signs and symptoms at the lowest possible dose. The psychiatrist may try different drugs, different doses or combinations over time to achieve the desired result. Other medications also may help, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. It can take several weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms. Because medications for schizophrenia can cause serious side effects, people with schizophrenia may be reluctant to take them. Willingness to cooperate with treatment may affect drug choice. For example, someone who is resistant to taking medication consistently may need to be given injections instead of taking a pill.
There are treatment options for depression that may work for you. One way of treating depression may be to affect the levels of certain chemicals that brain cells use to communicate, called neurotransmitters. Scientists believe that certain neurotransmitters may be out of balance in depression.Although the exact way depression medications shown to help ease overall depression symptoms in some people work is unknown, scientists think that some medications work by affecting the levels of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain. Other treatments work by affecting the levels of other neurotransmitters like norepinephrine or dopamine.
OCD
The most effective treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behavior Therapy and medication. More specifically, the most effective treatments are a type of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention, which has the strongest evidence supporting its use in the treatment of OCD, and a class of medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SRIs. Exposure and Response Prevention is typically done by a licensed mental health professional (such as a psychologist, social worker, or mental health counselor) in an outpatient setting. This means you visit your therapist’s office at a set appointment time once or a few times a week. Medications can only be prescribed by a licensed medical professionals (such as your physician or a psychiatrist), who would ideally work together with your therapist to develop a treatment plan.
Bipolar Disorder
Treatment for bipolar depression has come a long way from the days when patients were given sedatives and medications with numerous side effects. Today, mood stabilizing drugs are a mainstay treatment for bipolar disorder. Doctors may prescribe lithium, an antimanic drug, or an antipsychotic drug -- or a combination of both -- in order to alleviate symptoms of depression without triggering a manic episode. While depression episodes are far more common than manias and have a tremendous effect on the lives of patients, there are only a few established treatments for bipolar depression.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia requires lifelong treatment, even when symptoms have subsided. Treatment with medications and psychosocial therapy can help manage the condition. In some cases, hospitalization may be needed. A psychiatrist experienced in treating schizophrenia usually guides treatment. The treatment team also may include a psychologist, social worker, psychiatric nurse and possibly a case manager to coordinate care. The full-team approach may be available in clinics with expertise in schizophrenia treatment. Medications are the cornerstone of schizophrenia treatment, and antipsychotic medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs. They're thought to control symptoms by affecting the brain neurotransmitter dopamine. The goal of treatment with antipsychotic medications is to effectively manage signs and symptoms at the lowest possible dose. The psychiatrist may try different drugs, different doses or combinations over time to achieve the desired result. Other medications also may help, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs. It can take several weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms. Because medications for schizophrenia can cause serious side effects, people with schizophrenia may be reluctant to take them. Willingness to cooperate with treatment may affect drug choice. For example, someone who is resistant to taking medication consistently may need to be given injections instead of taking a pill.
Did these people have anyone to help them through their mental illness?
Isaac Newton:
Newton lived in solitary for most of his life. He did not have any close friends and preferred staying home alone than anything else. While he grew older and in his younger years, his only friend was astronomer Edmund Halley. In fact, if Edmund Halley didn’t encourage him to publish his works we would not be able to know the knowledge we know today. There were only two people that Newton stayed close to and loved throughout his life. One was his niece Catherine Barton and the other was a Swiss Mathematician Fatio de Duillier.
Abraham Lincoln:
Lincoln had many people to help him throughout his journey of depression. When times were unusually tough for him, his friends made sure that sharp objects were kept away from him. They also housed and encouraged him until he was in better spirits. He was constantly surrounded by people who supported and encouraged him.
Van Gogh:
Van Gogh went through periods of confidence and joy to depression. Besides the constant of painting, he also had his brother Theo to walk through life with him. Theo took care of Van Gogh emotionally and financially. After the incident that involved Van Gogh cutting off his ear, Theo encouraged him to check himself into a mental hospital. Throughout his time in the Saint-Paul Asylum he wrote and kept in touch with Theo about the mental state he was it.
Michelangelo:
Michelangelo’s dearest friend and also the author of his biography was Giorgio Vasari. Vasari knew all about the childhood and memories of Michelangelo. Michelangelo also showed and taught him many things about art and sculpting that led to Vasari own fame in art. Vasari was president through most of Michelangelo’s life and was a constant companion and listener.
Newton lived in solitary for most of his life. He did not have any close friends and preferred staying home alone than anything else. While he grew older and in his younger years, his only friend was astronomer Edmund Halley. In fact, if Edmund Halley didn’t encourage him to publish his works we would not be able to know the knowledge we know today. There were only two people that Newton stayed close to and loved throughout his life. One was his niece Catherine Barton and the other was a Swiss Mathematician Fatio de Duillier.
Abraham Lincoln:
Lincoln had many people to help him throughout his journey of depression. When times were unusually tough for him, his friends made sure that sharp objects were kept away from him. They also housed and encouraged him until he was in better spirits. He was constantly surrounded by people who supported and encouraged him.
Van Gogh:
Van Gogh went through periods of confidence and joy to depression. Besides the constant of painting, he also had his brother Theo to walk through life with him. Theo took care of Van Gogh emotionally and financially. After the incident that involved Van Gogh cutting off his ear, Theo encouraged him to check himself into a mental hospital. Throughout his time in the Saint-Paul Asylum he wrote and kept in touch with Theo about the mental state he was it.
Michelangelo:
Michelangelo’s dearest friend and also the author of his biography was Giorgio Vasari. Vasari knew all about the childhood and memories of Michelangelo. Michelangelo also showed and taught him many things about art and sculpting that led to Vasari own fame in art. Vasari was president through most of Michelangelo’s life and was a constant companion and listener.
How does knowledge about these people help treat and diagnose others today?
Knowledge that we have aquired about these people can only ensure that those with mental disorders can function in society. They can hold high positions of leadership and create wonderful innovations. As a society, we must come alongside those who are struggling with mental health and make sure they receive the right treatment. We also must not doubt their worth and ability as humans. We must destigmatize society and mental health to raise up the next generation of mentally ill so they can obtain the same responsibilities and opportunities.
Reflection
These are the most important questions I answered in the past couple of weeks. I am now working on reading through peer reviewed research to gain more information. I hope to have a solid 5th person after a book I read. I have started and finished most of my auxiliary questions which can be found https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Xdv_dy88fqzM5w8iR4Jn6ZZt_a1688CGyApUAWTAgew/edit?usp=sharing
I am pretty happy with the progress I have made but I need to continue learning everyday. My next steps are check ins with my advisors and possible interviews with various psychologists.
I am pretty happy with the progress I have made but I need to continue learning everyday. My next steps are check ins with my advisors and possible interviews with various psychologists.