History and work of Emil Kraeplin

History and Work of Emil Kraepelin
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Abstract
Emil Kraepelin, a German psychiatrist, is renowned for his contributions he made in the field of psychiatric nosology. He is particularly known for his demarcation of manic-depressive insanity, a bipolar disorder and dementia praecox or schizophrenia (Decker, 2004, p.248). Apart from developing the classification system for mental disorders, Kraepelin was instrumental in developing the field of psychiatry into a solid science standing the meticulous test of empiricism (Hippius & Muller, 2008, p.3). Important figures behind Kraepelin’s nosology include Ewald Hecker and Karl Ludwig Kahlbaum who first described catatonia and hebephrenia thus suggesting the existence of two discrete types of mental diseases. Kraepelin’s ideas and philosophy were also influenced by a number of Greek philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle and Socrates who employed theatrical techniques to explore philosophical and psychiatric themes (Wallace & Gach, 2008, p.201). Other individuals who inspired Kraepelin include Wilhelm Wundt and Charles Darwin. Inspired by the ideas of great thinkers, Kraepelin became an essential cornerstone in the world of psychology making significant contributions of ideas that underpin modern psychopharmacology and clinical psychology (Ebert & Bar, 2010, p.191). Born in 1856 his work in psychiatric nosology still remains to be an important reference for psychologists and clinicians today. This paper goes beyond covering the history and work of Emil Kraepelin to exploring his particular impact on modern psychiatry.
Labeling the Mind: History and Work of Emil Kraepelin
Introduction
Emil Kraepelin was one of the most influential psychiatrists of the 20th century. His contributions in developing a system for psychiatric classification in made an enormous impact in the field of psychiatry. Kraepelin’s work not only made fruitful contrib...