Sunday, July 31, 2005

Historical Roots of Schizophrenia A Medscape CME - "Ethnographic studies have demonstrated that schizophrenia is present in all existing cultures, from the pre-literate to the most highly advanced. Psychotic symptomatology and schizophrenic-like syndromes were clearly present in ancient civilizations. Recorded descriptions of the disorder appeared before 2000 BC in the ancient Egyptian Book of Hearts, which is part of the Ebers papyrus. Psychological symptoms were thought to emanate from the heart and uterus, and were associated with blood vessels, purulent or fecal matter, poisons, or demons. Hindu descriptions date back to approximately 1400 BC and can be found in the Atharva Veda, one of the 4 Vedas, which are primary texts of Hinduism..." [Viewing Medscape resources requires registration, which is free].