A Historical Dictionary of Psychiatry

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This first historical dictionary of psychiatry spans topics from autism to Vienna, detailing key concepts, figures, places, and institutions that have influenced the field and the neurosciences. An introductory section contextualizes broad trends and international variations, supported by an extensive bibliography for further exploration. Each entry outlines significant dates, themes, and personalities related to the topic, with longer entries delving into the development of conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and psychotherapy. The dictionary serves as a quick reference for the timeline of psychiatric advancements, methods, and contributors. It also addresses social themes such as "women in psychiatry," "criminality and psychiatry," and "homosexuality and psychiatry." A comprehensive index enhances accessibility to topics not listed alphabetically. Clinicians can explore the origins of terms like "paranoia" and "SSRIs," while basic scientists can reference developments in "neurotransmitters" and "neuroimaging." Medical history students can position psychiatric narratives within broader events, and the general public can learn about relevant illnesses affecting their lives. Drawing from English, French, German, Italian, and Scandinavian sources, this dictionary is grounded in extensive primary research, charting the evolution of psychiatry throughout Western society.