Depression and anxiety in Babylon

Abstract

Over the last 25 years, we have drawn attention to Babylonian descriptions, understanding and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders.1–5 Although the Babylonians had no understanding of brain or psychological function, they were remarkably observant describers of many medical disorders and behaviours which we see today and for which they had their own interpretations and treatments. We began with the neurological disorders of epilepsy1 and stroke, including so-called Bell's Palsy,2,3 and more recently we discussed psychiatric disorders, including psychoses of epilepsy4 and obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias and psychopathic behaviour.5 We turn our attention now to depression and anxiety in Babylon.