Timeline of Mental Disorders. by Alexander Szerlip

Hippocrates first articulated that mental disorders were not the work of demons. 390 BC.

alexanderszerlip — 2025-05-06 17:47:57 UTC

Hippocrates rejected the idea of demonic possession as the cause of mental illness. He proposed that mental disorders were similar to physical illnesses with natural causes.

ADHD 1952

alexanderanderson12 — 2025-05-06 17:48:23 UTC

ADHD was first discovered and described in 1902 as a condition affecting children that affected their morals and ability to pay attention. It was later officially named and diagnosed in 1952.

Bipolar Disorder 1950

alexanderanderson12 — 2025-05-06 17:52:57 UTC

Has had many horrible treatments throughout history due to it being seen as possessed or alike. It was first classified as Bipolar in 1950 Karl Leonhard. Bipolar meaning very drastic mood differences.

PTSD 1980

alexanderszerlip — 2025-05-06 17:53:01 UTC

PTSD became a mental health diagnosis in 1980. While symptom's of PTSD had been observed since the ancient times, it was only officially recognized in 1980. Around 13 million adults in the US may suffer from PTSD annually. It is very widespread.

Depression 2000s BCE

alexanderanderson12 — 2025-05-06 17:57:11 UTC

Was written down in Mesopotamia at that time. However while depression was recognized, it was viewed as work of the devil until Greek philosophers suggested that it had to do with body imbalances.

Anxiety 390 BC-1900 AD

alexanderszerlip — 2025-05-06 17:59:23 UTC

Anxiety wasn't officially classified until the 17th century but it was referred to by Hippocrates and other Greek Philosophers. Anxiety is incredibly widespread across the entire world. It was previously thought to be caused by demons. It is not caused by demons.

Antidepressants 1950

alexanderanderson12 — 2025-05-06 18:02:39 UTC

Antidepressants have been around a while, however they were only officially prescribed as such due to the fact that they often provide other health benefits. The first dedicated antidepressants were prescribed in 1950s.

DSM 1952

alexanderszerlip — 2025-05-06 18:05:26 UTC

A manual published by the American Psychiatric Association that provides a standardized system for classifying and diagnosing mental disorders. Revolutionary in helping identify mental disorders.

Gut-Brain connection 2020s

alexanderanderson12 — 2025-05-06 18:08:51 UTC

In the past few years, research has come forward proving that maintaining good gut health will affect the brain.(eating well and such). The brain also has an effect on intestines for example, releasing digestive fluids before eating. Stress can cause pain in the GI tract.

Mental Asylums 1700

alexanderszerlip — 2025-05-06 18:09:08 UTC

Mental Asylums were meant to cure people of their mental disorders. While there were earlier examples of specialized care for those with mental illness, the modern asylum model, characterized by institutionalization and isolation, gained prominence during this period. Many of these earlier asylums were monstrous and more often than not tortured their parents.