Von ihren Anfängen in den finsteren Verliesen des 18. Jahrhunderts über die humaneren Anstalten des 19. Jahrhunderts bis hin zu den diskret verborgenen Sanatorien unserer Tage verfolgt Shorter die Entwicklung der Psychiatrie - und legt damit eine einzigartige Kulturgeschichte der menschlichen Seele vor.
Psychosomatische Erkrankungen entstehen im Zusammenspiel von genetischen und kulturellen Faktoren. Shorter geht der Frage nach, wie kulturspezifisches Krankheitsverhalten entsteht. Er begreift den Vorgang des Erkrankens ohne Vorliegen eine s organischen Befundes als eine Gemeinschaftsfunktion des biologisch gesteuerten Gehirns und der gesellschaftlich konditionierten Psyche. Viele zum Teil illustre Fallgeschichten belegen diesen Ansatz.
The Kennedy family's dedication to public service is highlighted through Joseph P. Kennedy's significant support for mental retardation (MR) organizations, particularly in the 1950s when he established a family foundation focused on this cause. The book explores the impact of their philanthropic efforts and the family's broader commitment to social issues, showcasing how they used their influence to champion MR-related initiatives.
The resurgence of shock therapy, particularly electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), is explored as a safe and effective treatment for severe mental illnesses, despite its negative portrayal in media. Authors Edward Shorter and David Healy delve into ECT's controversial history, challenging misconceptions through case studies, interviews, and archival research. They argue for its efficacy as a frontline therapy, particularly for patients unresponsive to medications, offering hope to those suffering from debilitating depression and suicidal ideation.
"This is the first historical dictionary of psychiatry. It covers the subject from autism to Vienna, and includes the key concepts, individuals, places, and institutions that have shaped the evolution of psychiatry and the neurosciences. An introduction puts broad trends and international differences in context, and there is an extensive bibliography for further reading. Each entry gives the main dates, themes, and personalities involved in the unfolding of the topic. Longer entries describe the evolution of such subjects as depression, schizophrenia, and psychotherapy. The book gives ready reference to when things happened in psychiatry, how and where they happened, and who made the main contributions. In addition, it touches on such social themes as "women in psychiatry," "criminality and psychiatry," and "homosexuality and psychiatry." A comprehensive index makes immediately accessible subjects that do not appear in the alphabetical listing. Among those who will appreciate this dictionary are clinicians curious about the origins of concepts they use in their daily practices, such as "paranoia," "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors" (SSRIs), or "tardive dyskinesia"; basic scientists who want ready reference to the development of such concepts as "neurotransmitters," "synapse," or "neuroimaging"; students of medical history keen to situate the psychiatric narrative within larger events; and the general public curious about illnesses that might affect them, their families, and their communities - or readers who merely want to know about the grand chain of events from the asylum to Freud to Prozac. Bringing together information from the English, French, German, Italian, and Scandinavian languages, the Dictionary rests on an enormous base of primary sources that cover the growth of psychiatry through all of Western society."--Jacket
Engaging with the history of sexuality and desire, this book presents a provocative exploration that challenges conventional views and invites spirited debate. Its bold arguments and unique insights make it essential reading for anyone interested in the complexities of human sexuality. The author's approach is both important and entertaining, ensuring that readers will find themselves both stimulated and challenged by the content.