History and Perspectives in Understanding Abnormal Behavior

Introduction

• Importance of updated knowledge for newcomers in the field
• Basics of physics, biology, and tradition

Supernatural Tradition

• Abnormal behavior as a reflection of the battle between good and evil
  • Classic stories, myths, and legends emphasize good vs. evil
  • Abnormal behavior often seen as possession by gods, goddesses, or demons
• Biblical explanations: Devil's influence
• Exorcism as a treatment
• Mass Hysteria
  • Historical accounts of mass hysteria (e.g., running, shouting, raving in patterns)
• Modern views on supernatural traditions: Less rampant but still exists (e.g., Catholic Church exorcisms)
• While supernatural views persist, they are often dismissed in modern contexts

Biological Tradition

• Ancient roots: Hippocrates and Galen's four humors
  • Influence of biology on behavior and personality
• Hysteria or somatic symptom disorder
  • Biological causes: Empty uterus as an example
  • Biological explanations of brain infections affecting behavior
• Brain as the control center of behavior
  • Mental illness treated as a physical illness
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) by Benjamin Franklin
  • Discovery of psychotropic medications (e.g., Benzodiazepines, major tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs)
• Historical treatments for mental illness: From asylums to modern medicine

Psychological Tradition

• Moral Therapy
  • Treating individuals with abnormal behavior humanely
  • Effective for some, but not sustainable for all
• Psychoanalysis by Sigmund Freud
  • Structure of the mind: id, ego, superego
  • Defense mechanisms: Distortion of reality to cope
  • Overuse of defense mechanisms (e.g., denial, repression) leading to abnormal behavior
• Humanistic Approach
  • People are inherently good and capable of self-improvement
  • Limitations in treating severe psychological disorders
• Behaviorism
  • Learning and association theories to treat and understand abnormal behavior
  • Techniques like exposure therapy for phobias

Integrative Approach

• Importance of combining different perspectives
• Psychological disorders are complex and often require multiple viewpoints
• Connection between psychological and biological aspects
  • Example: Schizophrenia and neurodevelopmental diseases
• Future discussions on integrative approaches in upcoming lectures

Conclusion

• Summary of historical conceptions of psychopathology
• Emphasis on integrative approach for a comprehensive understanding
• Next lecture: Detailed discussion on integrative approach and connectedness