When Was the First Mental Illness Discovered?

The earliest known documentation of mental illness dates back to 1100 B.C. in ancient China.

Early Records of Mental Illness

While the concept of "discovering" mental illness is complex, as various forms of mental distress have likely existed throughout human history, the first recorded instance and recognition of mental health conditions can be traced to ancient civilizations. The most ancient documented recognition of mental disorders comes from ancient China, approximately 3,100 years ago. This period marks a significant point in understanding how early societies perceived and addressed psychological conditions.

Mental Health in Ancient China

Around 1100 B.C., records from ancient China describe what were understood as mental disorders. These conditions were integrated into the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which approached health holistically. The understanding of mental illness during this era was often linked to imbalances in the body's vital energies or emotional states.

Treatment methods employed during this time reflected the sophisticated medical practices of ancient China. These included:

• Herbal Remedies: Specific plant-based medicines were used to alleviate symptoms and restore balance.
• Acupuncture: The insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body was believed to influence energy flow and promote healing.
• Emotional Therapy: Approaches focused on addressing and rebalancing emotional states, recognizing the profound link between emotions and mental well-being.

These early forms of recognition and treatment highlight a proactive approach to mental health care, long before similar systematic understandings emerged in many other parts of the world. For a broader overview of the historical progression of mental health understanding and care, you can explore resources like the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Timeline of Early Mental Illness Recognition

To summarize the earliest known record: