Psychiatric Practices in Ancent Rome: 27 BCE-476 CE

Thesis statement: The work of ancient, Roman physicians added to the mainstream of psychiatric evolution that paved the way for the development of the specialty of psychiatry. Methodology: This article employed historiography and conceptual analysis of the writings of three leading Roman physicians: Soranus of Ephesus, Aulus Celsus, and Claudius Galen. Results: Roman physicians (medici) provided a simple protocol for the diagnosis of mental illness, and early models for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The results demonstrate the importance of the rationalistic approach to mental illness used by the ancient Romans. Conclusion: The work of Roman physicians added to the mainstream of psychiatric evolution that paved the way for the development of the specialty of psychiatry.