Milestones in the progress of events in the understanding of mental health
Major Milestones in the progress of events in the understanding of mental health and mental illness over the years
| Year | Milestone/Event |
| 1547 | Andreas Vesalius publishes “De Humani Corporis Fabrica,” revolutionizing anatomy and laying the groundwork for future understanding of the brain’s role in mental health. |
| 1550 | The witch trials and witch hunts occurred across Europe. Many individuals, often women, were accused of witchcraft and subjected to persecution. Some historians argue that symptoms of mental illness may have been misinterpreted as evidence of witchcraft. |
| 1590 | Johann Weyer, a Dutch physician, publishes “The Anatomy of the Melancholy,” challenging prevailing views on witchcraft and advocating for humane treatment of those with mental illnesses. |
| 1628 | English physician William Harvey publishes “De Motu Cordis,” describing the circulation of blood. While not directly related to mental health, advancements in medical understanding laid the groundwork for future investigations into the physiological basis of mental disorders. |
| 1630 | The Quakers in England, influenced by their belief in the Inner Light, develop more humane approaches to caring for individuals with mental illnesses, focusing on compassion and understanding. |
| 1656 | The founding of the Parisian “Bicêtre Hospital” in France, initially for the care of the poor and mentally ill, marks a shift towards institutionalized mental health care. |
| 1660 | The Age of Enlightenment begins, emphasizing reason and scientific inquiry. Though not initially focused on mental health, Enlightenment ideas laid the groundwork for later developments in psychiatry and psychology. |
| 1714 | Franz Anton Mesmer, an Austrian physician, introduces mesmerism (later known as hypnotism) as a treatment for various ailments, including mental health disorders. Though his methods were controversial, Mesmer’s work contributed to the exploration of psychological phenomena. |
| 1745 | Philippe Pinel, a French physician, introduces humanitarian reforms in the treatment of individuals with mental illness. He advocated for more humane and compassionate care, opposing the prevailing harsh and punitive methods. |
| 1758 | Samuel Tuke establishes the York Retreat in England, advocating for moral treatment and humane conditions for individuals with mental illnesses, influencing later mental health reforms. |
| 1773 | The first public hospital exclusively for the treatment of mental illness, the Bethlem Royal Hospital in London, begins to implement more humane practices. Bethlem, known colloquially as Bedlam, played a role in shifting attitudes toward mental health care. |
| 1774 | The establishment of the first mental hospital, the Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds, in Virginia, USA. |
| 1793 | The French psychiatrist Philippe Pinel publishes “A Treatise on Insanity,” further detailing his advocacy for humane treatment and challenging prevailing views on mental illness. |
| 1845 | Dorothea Dix advocates for mental health reform and the creation of asylums in the United States. |
| 1883 | Emil Kraepelin introduces the concept of manic-depressive illness and schizophrenia. |
| 1887 | German psychiatrist Emil Kraepelin introduces the term “dementia praecox,” which later laid the groundwork for the modern concept of schizophrenia. |
| 1908 | Sigmund Freud introduces psychoanalysis, a significant development in the field of psychology and the understanding of mental processes. |
| 1911 | Eugen Bleuler, a Swiss psychiatrist, introduces the term “schizophrenia” to replace Kraepelin’s “dementia praecox.” He emphasizes the psychological and emotional aspects of the disorder. |
| 1933 | The Mental Health Act in the UK leads to the establishment of mental health services and voluntary mental hospitals. |
| 1941 | The introduction of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment for severe mental illnesses provides an alternative to more invasive procedures. |
| 1943 | Abraham Maslow proposes the hierarchy of needs, contributing to the understanding of human motivation and well-being. |
| 1946 | The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is established in the United States, focusing on mental health research. |
| 1946 | The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is established in the United States, fostering research and innovation in mental health. |
| 1949 | Lithium is discovered to have mood-stabilizing properties, leading to its use in treating bipolar disorder. |
| 1949 | Lithium – Initially used to treat mania, lithium carbonate later became a standard treatment for bipolar disorder. Its mood-stabilizing properties represented a breakthrough in managing mood disorders. |
| 1950 | The discovery of dopamine’s role in the brain leads to the dopamine hypothesis of schizophrenia. This theory suggests that an imbalance of dopamine neurotransmission is associated with the symptoms of schizophrenia. |
| 1952 | The first edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA). |
| 1952 | Chlorpromazine, the first antipsychotic medication, is introduced, revolutionizing the treatment of severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia. |
| 1952 | Chlorpromazine, the first antipsychotic medication, is introduced. It revolutionizes the treatment of schizophrenia and marks the beginning of psychopharmacology. |
| 1952 | The concept of the therapeutic community is introduced by Maxwell Jones, emphasizing a community-based approach to the treatment of schizophrenia in psychiatric hospitals. |
| 1953 | The discovery of the neurotransmitter serotonin by Arvid Carlsson contributes to the understanding of its role in mood regulation and mental health. |
| 1954 | The first antipsychotic medication, chlorpromazine (Thorazine), is introduced, revolutionizing the treatment of schizophrenia. |
| 1955 | The discovery of imipramine marks the beginning of the development of tricyclic antidepressants, expanding treatment options for depression. |
| 1955 | The establishment of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) in the United States advances mental health research and initiatives. |
| 1957 | Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, was the first medication developed specifically for the treatment of depression. Its discovery laid the foundation for the development of subsequent antidepressant medications. |
| 1959 | Aaron Beck introduces cognitive therapy, a groundbreaking approach in treating various mental health disorders. |
| 1960 | The formation of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Psychoactive Drug Screening Program accelerates the discovery of psychotropic medications. |
| 1960 | Benzodiazepines, introduced in the 1960s, became widely prescribed for their anxiolytic and sedative effects. Diazepam (Valium) was one of the first and most influential benzodiazepines. |
| 1960 | Deinstitutionalization movement begins in many countries, aiming to shift the care of individuals with mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, from psychiatric hospitals to community-based settings. |
| 1961 | The first tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine (Tofranil), is approved for use, marking a significant advancement in treating depression. |
| 1962 | The World Federation for Mental Health designates October 10th as World Mental Health Day, raising global awareness about mental health issues. |
| 1963 | The Community Mental Health Act in the United States encourages deinstitutionalization and the development of community-based mental health services. |
| 1963 | The Community Mental Health Centers Act is passed in the United States, further promoting community-based mental health care. |
| 1966 | Thomas Szasz publishes “The Myth of Mental Illness,” challenging traditional views on mental disorders and advocating for individual autonomy. |
| 1967 | Erving Goffman publishes “Asylums,” shedding light on the social dynamics within psychiatric institutions and influencing deinstitutionalization efforts. |
| 1970 | The Community Support Program is introduced in the U.S., emphasizing community-based mental health care over institutionalization. |
| 1971 | The U.S. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) launches the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) program, a large-scale study providing valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of mental disorders, including schizophrenia. |
| 1972 | The passage of Title IX in the United States prohibits sex-based discrimination, influencing mental health policies and services on college campuses. |
| 1972 | Clozapine was the first atypical antipsychotic medication, offering an alternative for individuals with schizophrenia who did not respond to traditional antipsychotics. It demonstrated a different mechanism of action with fewer side effects. |
| 1973 | The Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision affirms a woman’s right to choose, impacting mental health discussions related to reproductive rights. |
| 1973 | The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III), is published, providing standardized criteria for the diagnosis of schizophrenia and improving reliability in research and clinical practice. |
| 1974 | The passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States mandates services for students with mental health conditions. |
| 1978 | The establishment of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), a grassroots organization advocating for individuals with mental illnesses. |
| 1978 | The Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health in the United States highlights the importance of mental health and calls for destigmatization. |
| 1978 | The founding of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in the U.S. becomes a pivotal advocate for individuals and families affected by mental illness. |
| 1979 | The founding of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in the United States focuses on mental health and substance abuse issues. |
| 1980 | The DSM-III is published, introducing a standardized classification system for mental disorders. |
| 1980 | The publication of the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) introduces a standardized classification system. |
| 1980 | The World Health Organization launches the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study, drawing attention to the impact of mental health disorders on global health. |
| 1983 | The World Health Organization launches the Mental Health Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of mental health services in achieving overall health goals. |
| 1986 | The founding of the National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association (NDMDA), later named Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA). |
| 1987 | Prozac, the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is approved by the FDA, leading to a new era in the pharmacological treatment of depression. |
| 1987 | Fluoxetine (Prozac), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), marked a new era in the pharmacological treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It became widely prescribed and contributed to the popularity of SSRIs. |
| 1988 | Prozac (fluoxetine), the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is approved, popularizing a new class of antidepressant medications. |
| 1989 | The introduction of fluoxetine (Prozac) sparks a new era in antidepressant medications, influencing the treatment landscape for mood disorders. |
| 1990 | The advent of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) revolutionizes the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. |
| 1990 | The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is enacted in the United States, protecting individuals with mental health conditions from discrimination. |
| 1990 | The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is signed into law, providing legal protections against discrimination for individuals with mental health conditions. |
| 1992 | The World Federation for Mental Health launches World Mental Health Day, raising awareness about mental health issues on a global scale. |
| 1992 | The World Mental Health Survey Initiative begins, aiming to collect data on the prevalence of mental disorders and mental health treatment worldwide. |
| 1993 | The World Health Organization releases the first World Health Report, dedicating a section to the global burden of mental disorders. |
| 1993 | Risperidone, a second-generation antipsychotic, was developed for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It exemplifies the ongoing refinement of antipsychotic medications. |
| 1994 | The FDA approves clozapine, the first atypical antipsychotic, offering an alternative for individuals with schizophrenia. |
| 1996 | The Mental Health Parity Act in the U.S. marks a step towards equal insurance coverage for mental health services and other medical treatments. |
| 1998 | The Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health emphasizes the role of mental health in overall well-being and calls for the destigmatization of mental illnesses. |
| 1999 | The Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health in Youth emphasizes the significance of addressing mental health issues in young people. |
| 1999 | Surgeon General David Satcher releases the “Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Suicide,” raising awareness about suicide prevention. |
| 2000 | The World Health Organization launches the World Health Report, highlighting the global burden of mental disorders and the need for improved mental health care. |
| 2001 | The Surgeon General’s Report on Children’s Mental Health draws attention to the mental health needs of children and the importance of early intervention. |
| 2001 | The Surgeon General’s Report on Mental Health highlights disparities in mental health care and calls for improved access and quality of services. |
| 2002 | The FDA approves the first atypical antipsychotic for pediatric use, expanding treatment options for children with severe mental health conditions. |
| 2002 | Escitalopram is an example of a more modern SSRI, developed to provide a more refined and selective action on serotonin reuptake with potentially fewer side effects. |
| 2003 | The World Health Organization (WHO) launches the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) to improve mental health services globally. |
| 2004 | The World Health Organization (WHO) launches the World Mental Health Survey Initiative, aiming to provide comprehensive data on mental health globally. |
| 2004 | The Mental Health Commission of Canada is established, promoting mental health and well-being and addressing mental health disparities in Canada. |
| 2005 | The launch of the “Let’s Talk” campaign by WHO encourages open discussions about mental health, reducing stigma and promoting awareness worldwide. |
| 2005 | The publication of “Out of the Shadows at Last: Transforming Mental Health, Mental Illness, and Addiction Services in Canada” prompts mental health reforms. |
| 2006 | The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities recognizes the rights of individuals with mental health conditions. |
| 2008 | The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act in the United States requires insurance plans to cover mental health services on par with physical health services. |
| 2008 | The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act is signed into law in the United States, requiring equal insurance coverage for mental health services. |
| 2008 | The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act is signed into law in the United States, requiring insurance plans to provide equal coverage for mental health services. |
| 2008 | The Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) is launched by the World Health Organization, aiming to scale up mental health services globally. |
| 2010 | The Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the United States expands access to mental health services and mandates mental health coverage in insurance plans. |
| 2010 | The launch of the “Time to Change” campaign in the UK aims to reduce mental health stigma and discrimination in society. |
| 2011 | The World Health Organization’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 is endorsed by member states, emphasizing global commitment to mental health. |
| 2012 | The American Psychiatric Association publishes the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), incorporating updated diagnostic criteria. |
| 2013 | The DSM-5 is published, incorporating changes to the classification of mental disorders based on ongoing research and understanding. |
| 2013 | The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is released, reflecting updates in psychiatric understanding and diagnosis. |
| 2014 | The World Health Organization releases the Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020, outlining global strategies for improving mental health services. |
| 2014 | The Mental Health Awareness Month campaign gains momentum, encouraging open conversations about mental health and reducing stigma worldwide. |
| 2014 | The Mental Health First Aid program gains global recognition, providing training to identify and assist individuals experiencing mental health crises. |
| 2015 | The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in the United States emphasizes the importance of mental health services in schools and supports for students’ emotional well-being. |
| 2016 | The Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues during adolescence. |
| 2016 | The World Health Organization launches the “Depression: Let’s Talk” campaign, advocating for increased awareness and reducing stigma surrounding depression. |
| 2017 | The Global Burden of Disease Study highlights mental health as a leading cause of disability worldwide, emphasizing the need for increased attention and resources. |
| 2017 | The Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health calls for a scale-up of mental health services and increased investment in global mental health research. |
| 2017 | The Global Burden of Disease Study 2017 provides updated data on the prevalence and impact of mental health disorders globally. |
| 2018 | The Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development calls for a global scale-up of mental health services and awareness. |
| 2018 | The World Health Organization launches the Mental Health ATLAS, providing global data on mental health resources, policies, and services. |
| 2018 | The Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development calls for a transformative agenda to address mental health on a global scale. |
| 2019 | The FDA approves esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression, introducing a novel approach to managing severe depressive symptoms. |
| 2019 | The Lancet Psychiatry Commission on psychological treatments research in the 21st century highlights the need for evidence-based psychotherapies. |
| 2020 | The COVID-19 pandemic leads to increased awareness of mental health challenges, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being on a global scale. |
| 2020 | The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the importance of mental health, leading to increased attention, resources, and innovation in mental health care. |
| 2020 | Mental health awareness gains prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased recognition of the importance of mental health in public health initiatives. |
| 2020 | The World Health Organization’s “Guidance on Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19” emphasizes the importance of mental well-being during the pandemic. |
| 2021 | Mental health becomes a central focus in public discourse, with increased attention to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental well-being. |
| 2021 | Mental health apps and teletherapy gain widespread adoption, providing accessible tools and resources for individuals seeking mental health support. |
| 2021 | The inclusion of mental well-being as a key focus in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals emphasizes its integral role in global development. |
| 2022 | Advancements in telehealth and digital mental health services become increasingly prominent, providing broader access to mental health care. |
| 2022 | Continued advancements in neuroimaging technologies contribute to a deeper understanding of the neural basis of mental health disorders. |