Review Article
Démence Précoce: Historical Conceptualization of the Concept
Barbara Castro Sousa*
,
Zoe Correia de Sá,
Joana Ramos
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
98-103
Received:
28 August 2024
Accepted:
12 September 2024
Published:
26 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajap.20241306.11
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Abstract: Schizophrenia, like many mental disorders, was historically viewed as madness or demonic possession until the 18th century when psychiatry began to emerge as a scientific discipline. French psychiatrist Bénédict Morel played a pivotal role in this transformation by coining the term "démence précoce." He used this term to describe a set of clinical features observed in schizophrenia, suggesting that it was due to an inherent biological defect that progressively worsened through successive generations. German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin further refined Morel's ideas by developing the concept of "dementia praecox". He described a cluster of symptoms and signs characterized by a specific course and outcome, emphasizing the chronic and deteriorative nature of the illness. Kraepelin's work laid the groundwork for modern understanding, emphasizing the classification of psychiatric conditions based on symptom clusters, progression, and outcomes. In the early 20th century, Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler introduced the term "schizophrenia", marking a significant shift in the conceptualization of the disorder. He viewed it not as a single disease but as a group of related disorders, which he called the "group of schizophrenias." Bleuler focused on the splitting of cognitive functions—such as thinking, feeling, and behavior—recognizing a broader spectrum of symptoms beyond the purely degenerative model proposed by Kraepelin. The evolution of schizophrenia's conceptualization reflects broader developments in neuropsychiatry, neuropsychopharmacology, and neuroscience. Advances in these fields have refined diagnostic criteria, understanding of neurobiological underpinnings, and treatment approaches. However, the journey to fully understanding schizophrenia is ongoing. The complexities of its causes, manifestations, and treatments mean that its history—and the final chapter of its understanding—remains to be written, as new research continues to challenge and expand upon existing knowledge.
Abstract: Schizophrenia, like many mental disorders, was historically viewed as madness or demonic possession until the 18th century when psychiatry began to emerge as a scientific discipline. French psychiatrist Bénédict Morel played a pivotal role in this transformation by coining the term "démence précoce." He used this term to describe a set of clinical ...
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Research Article
The Impact of COVID–19 on the Mental Health of the Youth
Yogaletchmi Yugarajan*
Issue:
Volume 13, Issue 6, December 2024
Pages:
104-108
Received:
9 September 2024
Accepted:
12 October 2024
Published:
29 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajap.20241306.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: In early December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 occurred in Wuhan City and spread around the world. Many countries have implemented a range of control measures due to the perceived risk of contracting sickness. In our work, we investigated how the virus and containment affected the psyche of young people and what the consequences are for them in the future. There are clear psychological consequences which were caused by the containment of the virus, but the serious consequences will only become apparent in the next few years or decades. In our work, we investigated how the virus and subsequent containment measures affected the psyche of young people and what the potential long-term consequences may be. The psychological effects of the pandemic were significant, with many young people experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and uncertainty about their future. While the immediate psychological consequences were evident during the pandemic, it is likely that the more serious, long-term effects will only become apparent in the coming years or even decades. As young people transition into adulthood, the pandemic’s impact on their mental health, social development, and career prospects may lead to enduring challenges. It is crucial to continue studying and addressing these effects to mitigate the potential for long-lasting harm and to support the mental well-being of future generations.
Abstract: In early December 2019, an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 occurred in Wuhan City and spread around the world. Many countries have implemented a range of control measures due to the perceived risk of contracting sickness. In our work, we investigated how the virus and containment affected the psyche of young people and what the consequences ar...
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