Psychology Today | 04.09.2026 03:50
In a few weeks, I’ll be teaching one of my favorite classes. “Madness and Society: From Ancient Times to the Present” pretty much does what it says on the tin. We examine the long and controversial history of mental health and illness, starting with the Ancient Greeks and Romans, charting the rise and fall of the asylum and the emergence of modern explanations and treatments. Along the way, we discuss the relationship between mental health and different themes, including religion, gender, race, and class. Throughout the class, I try to show how history helps us to understand why we explain and treat mental illness in the way we do today, potentially empowering us to change our approach for the better.
