Alienism
Alienism (pronounced: /ˈeɪliənɪzəm/) is a historical term used to refer to the study and treatment of mental illnesses, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The term is derived from the Latin word "alienus" meaning "of another", and was used to refer to the state of being mentally "other" or "alien".
Etymology
The term "alienism" was first used in the early 19th century, and it was commonly used in the medical profession to refer to the study and treatment of mental illnesses. The term is derived from the Latin word "alienus" which means "of another". This reflects the historical view of mental illness as a state of being mentally "other" or "alien".
Related Terms
- Psychiatry: Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. It is the modern field that has largely replaced alienism.
- Psychologist: A psychologist is a professional who evaluates and studies behavior and mental processes. Psychologists have doctoral degrees, such as PhD or PsyD, but they are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications.
- Asylum: An asylum is a place of refuge and protection, but historically it was used to refer to institutions for the care of the mentally ill. The term is often associated with the period of alienism.
- Insanity: Insanity is a concept discussed in the law. The term is a legal rather than a medical one. It is a legal term denoting that an accused is not responsible for his or her actions due to mental health problems.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Alienism
- Wikipedia's article - Alienism
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