Historiographical reflections on psychiatry and neurology

Authors

  • Marleide da Mota Gomes Professora Titular, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Neurologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8889-2573
  • Cátia Mathias Bibliotecária-Chefe, Laboratório de História da Psiquiatria, Neurologia e Saúde Mental, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8321-1393
  • Antonio Egidio Nardi Professor Titular, Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Psiquiatria da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2152-4669

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25118/2763-9037.2025.v15.1527

Keywords:

Historiography, psychiatry, Neurology, Comprehension, interdisciplinarity, neuroscience

Abstract

The historiography of psychiatry, neurology, and neuroscience reveals a deep interconnection between past and present. This article explores how an understanding of historical contexts is essential for comprehending the evolution and current state of these fields. By synthesizing diverse historiographical traditions, this paper offers a novel framework for understanding the shared intellectual and institutional roots of these disciplines. It argues that integrating historical perspectives into psychiatric and neurological training enriches clinical practice, policy-making, and scholarly reflection. The examination reveals the interconnected evolution of psychiatry, neurology, and neuroscience. The historiography of these disciplines informs medical practice and policy, emphasizing the need to revisit traditional narratives, integrate diverse viewpoints, and incorporate historical insight into professional training. Acknowledging certain limitations, future research should aim to broaden primary-source bases and incorporate diverse perspectives. Overall, this historiographical exploration enhances our understanding of these interwoven disciplines and contributes to advancing patient care and scholarly reflection.

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Author Biographies

Marleide da Mota Gomes, Professora Titular, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Neurologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

Cátia Mathias , Bibliotecária-Chefe, Laboratório de História da Psiquiatria, Neurologia e Saúde Mental, Instituto de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

Antonio Egidio Nardi , Professor Titular, Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto de Psiquiatria da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil

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Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

1.
Gomes M da M, Mathias C, Nardi AE. Historiographical reflections on psychiatry and neurology . Debates Psiquiatr. [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 30 [cited 2026 May 18];15:1-21, e1527. Available from: https://revistardp.org.br/revista/article/view/1527

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