History of Mental Illness
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.
Monthly Subscription Starting at AED 99 + VAT
- Level Foundation
- Duration 15 hours
- Course by Wesleyan University
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Offered by
About
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.Modules
What Is Mental Illness?
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2
Videos
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2
Readings
2
Videos
- What Do We Call It?
- What Do We Call It - Part 2
2
Readings
- "A History of Psychology", Chapter 1
- Madness in Civilization, chapter 1
Who Are the Experts?
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Who Are the Experts?
Who Are the Diagnosed?
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Who Are the Diagnosed?
Why the History of Mental Illness?
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Why the History of Mental Illness?
Module Activities
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3
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Quiz 1
3
Readings
- Analysis Essays - Expectations
- Analysis Essay #1
- Analysis Essay #1 - Answer Key
Neurasthenia
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4
Videos
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2
Readings
4
Videos
- Science
- Treatments
- Experiences
- Reflections
2
Readings
- "American Nervousness" (Preface)
- "Americanitis"
Module Activities
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2
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Quiz 2
2
Readings
- Analysis Essay #2
- Analysis Essay #2 - Key
Depression
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4
Videos
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3
Readings
4
Videos
- Science
- Treatments
- Experiences
- Reflections
3
Readings
- "The Empire of Depression", Chapter 1
- "Good Grief" (New York Times op ed)
- "Good Science or Good Business?"
Module Activities
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2
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Quiz 3
2
Readings
- Analysis Essay #3
- Analysis Essay #3 - Key
Deficits of Attention
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4
Videos
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1
Readings
4
Videos
- Science
- Treatments
- Experiences
- Reflections
1
Readings
- "Bad Boys, Good Mothers"
Quiz
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2
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Quiz 4
2
Readings
- Analysis Essay #4
- Analysis Essay #4 - Key
Narcissism
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4
Videos
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3
Readings
4
Videos
- Science
- Treatments
- Experiences
- Reflections
3
Readings
- "Narcissism in the Modern World"
- "The Narcissism Epidemic"
- "The Americanization of Narcissism"
Quiz
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2
Readings
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1
Assignment
1
Assignment
- Quiz #5
2
Readings
- Analysis Essay #5
- Analysis Essay #5 - Key
Course Conclusions
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1
Videos
1
Videos
- Course Conclusions
Auto Summary
Dive into the fascinating **History of Mental Illness** with this foundational course in the domain of **Personal Development**. Guided by expert instructors from **Coursera**, you'll embark on a comprehensive journey through the evolution of psychiatric science, exploring significant discoveries, classifications, and treatments of mental health disorders. This course spans an in-depth study of four specific mental illnesses: neurasthenia, depression, attention deficits (ADD/ADHD), and narcissism. Each disorder is meticulously examined, considering scientific research, therapeutic approaches, and the lived experiences of those affected. Additionally, the course offers critical reflections on these diagnoses, providing a well-rounded understanding of mental health. Rather than merely highlighting scientific advancements, this course delves into the cultural contexts that have shaped psychiatric science. You'll explore how cultural ideals of happiness, norms, rationality, and social hierarchies have influenced mental health diagnoses and treatments. This approach aligns with the "mad studies" movement, emphasizing the socio-political conditions and personal experiences of those living with mental illness. Throughout the 900-minute duration, you'll engage in reflective discussions on pressing issues such as the rise in depression and attention deficit disorders, biases in research and treatment based on race and gender, the so-called happiness epidemic, and the concept of neurodiversity. Subscription options include Starter and Professional plans, making this course accessible to a broad audience. Whether you're new to the subject or looking to deepen your understanding, this course is designed for those interested in the historical and cultural dimensions of mental health. Join us to critically explore the world of psychopathology and its impact on society, and gain valuable insights that challenge conventional perspectives on mental illness.
Jill Morawski