Definition of insanity

The word "insanity" originated from the Latin word "insanus," which literally translates to "without sense." It was used to describe individuals who appeared to lack rationality or reason. In the Middle Ages, insanity was often associated with possession by demons or evil spirits. It was believed that such individuals were being punished by God for their alleged sins, and so they were typically subjected to exorcism or other forms of religious punishment. As medical knowledge began to progress in the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, the understanding of mental illness shifted. Insanity came to be seen as a medical disorder, rather than a supernatural one. In the late 19th century, a prominent psychiatrist named Walter Freeman introduced the concept of "lobotomies" as a form of treatment for insanity. This involve drilling a hole in the patient's skull and severing the connections between the prefrontal cortex and other parts of the brain. The procedure was widely criticized for its barbaric and brutal nature, as it often left patients in a state of permanent disability. Today, the treatment of mental illness has evolved considerably, with a greater emphasis on medication, therapy, and holistic approaches. While the word "insanity" remains in common use to describe extreme acts or behaviors, the connotation of it as a medical disorder without moral judgment has largely faded from society's understanding.