Answer to Question 1
Answer: In contrast to earlier times, the Greek philosopher Hippocrates proposed natural explanations for mental disorders. He suggested that a balance among four humors was necessary for health. An excess or deficiency in one of the humors could result in a disorder. His attempts to uncover natural, biological explanations dominated medical thought in Western countries until the middle of the nineteenth century. During the Middle Ages, lunatics or idiots (terms used for the mentally ill and mentally retarded) aroused little interest. Their disturbed behavior was considered to be the responsibility of the family rather than the community or the state. In the 1600s and 1700s insane asylums were established to house the mentally disturbed. However, changes in economic, demographic, and social conditions brought
Answer to Question 2
Answer: There are three general sources of mental health care. Fewer than half of those who seek help for mental disorders receive help from specialized mental health professionals. Roughly one-third are treated by primary care physicians and roughly one-quarter receive help from social agencies and self-help groups. Among the specialized providers, there are various kinds. Psychiatrists are specialists in medicine and can prescribe medications. Clinical psychologists typically have completed five years of graduate study to earn a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Social workers are the most numerous of the specialized mental health providers in the United States, and they usually have a master's degree in social work. There are also other types of specialized providers, including professional counselors, marriage and family therapist