On the continuity of biological models in psychiatry: Melancholy as a brain disease in scholastic psychology

Journal/Book: Psychiat Prax. 2000; 27: Rudigerstr 14, D-70469 Stuttgart, Germany. Georg Thieme Verlag. 107-111.

Abstract: This paper emphasizes the long lines of tradition biological concepts have in the explanation of mental disorders in classical antiquity and the middle ages; yet it also portrays rivalling theories. I describe both medical and philosophical approaches, as they merged into a quite coherent model during scholasticism. The work of Albert the Great serves as an example for this model. A last paragraph shows its plausibility for authors even of the 17th century and discusses the epistomological basis of dualistic systems.

Note: Article Theiss-Abendroth P, Krankenhaus Urban, Abt Psychiat, Dieffenbachstr 1, D-10967 Berlin, GERMANY

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