Psychosis: A history of the concept

Journal/Book: Compr Psychiat. 1996; 37: Independence Square West, Curtis Center, Ste 300, Philadelphia, PA 19106-3399. W B Saunders Co. 273-291.

Abstract: The history of the concept of psychosis is traced from the time it was coined in 1845 to the present day. Originally, psychosis included the category of mental handicap, as well as certain other serious mental disorders. But within a year, it had become synonymous with the two terms ''psychopathy'' and ''psycho-neurosis.'' Soon, all psychiatric disorders became subsumed under its umbrella heading amidst a confusing array of terminology. Psychosis is examined as it then became distinct from psychopathy and neurosis, Psychosis is discussed in terms of the following dichotomies endogenous-exogenous psychoses, functional-organic psychoses, psychosis-neurosis, psychosis-psychopathy, and unitary-multiple psychoses. The way in which psychosis became a specialized term for serious mental disorders with a postulated organic etiology is outlined. The current status of the term and its future use are discussed.

Note: Review MD Beer, Guys Hosp, Umds, Dept Psychiat, Guys Campus, London SE1 9RT, England

Keyword(s): CYCLOID PSYCHOSIS; CONTINUUM; SCHIZOPHRENIA; PSYCHIATRY

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