Question

Compare and contrast the history of the supernatural tradtion and the biological tradition of mental health disorders?

Answer 1

The supernatural tradition was prevalent in the Medieval century wherein the causation of mental illness was linked to ghosts, demons, witchcraft etc. Since the forces were conceptualised as arising outside of an individual, the only way to cure metal health dysfunction was by the removal of the supernatural force from the body. However, the biological approach posited that brain and nervous system malfunction were the sole causes of mental health dysfunction. Certain imbalances or abnormalities within the organism would lead to mental disorders. Some of the cures for the same that were tested out during this belief were direct surgical procedures in the brain such as lobotomy.