The history of psychological disorders and disability

Psychology and psychiatry have long shaped how psychological disorders and disability are defined, studied, and managed. This unit traces the historical development of these concepts, examining their evolving place within psychology, healthcare, and society.
Through this unit, you will examine how understandings of psychological disorders have evolved over time – from early philosophical and medical perspectives to key milestones in psychological science and the cultural shifts that have shaped how mental health practitioners respond to psychological disorders and disability.
The unit will follow the emergence of research, diagnostic systems, therapeutic approaches, and professional roles, highlighting how influential studies and practices have shaped contemporary theory and mental health practice.
Through this historical lens, you will critically examine how science has shaped mental health practice within broader health systems and support structures over time. This will deepen your understanding of how past ideas continue to inform current approaches across diagnosis, treatment, and support for people living with disability.