PTSD in the Middle Ages
A Historical and Psychological Perspective
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is commonly associated with modern psychological research, particularly in relation to combat veterans and survivors of traumatic events. However, the experiences akin to PTSD are not exclusive to our modern times. This article explores the manifestations and understanding of PTSD-like symptoms in the Middle Ages, analysing historical accounts through the lens of modern psychology. By examining medieval literature, medical texts, and historical records, we aim to understand how trauma was experienced and conceptualized in this era.
Historical Context and Sources
Medieval Warfare and Trauma
The Middle Ages, spanning from the 5th to the late 15th century, were characterized by frequent warfare, feudal conflicts, and violent societal upheavals. These conditions likely exposed individuals to traumatic experiences comparable to those seen in modern warfare. Chroniclers and historians of the time, such as Froissart and Joinville, provided detailed accounts of battles and the psychological toll on warriors, which can be analyzed for PTSD-like symptoms (Keegan, 1976).
Literary Depictions
Medieval literature often reflected the societal impact of war and violence. Works such as the Icelandic sagas and chivalric romances depicted characters exhibiting signs of what might now be recognized as PTSD. For instance, the epic poem "Beowulf" describes the protagonist's intense anxiety and nightmares following his battles, paralleling modern symptoms of PTSD (Anglo-Saxon Poetic Records, 1936).
Symptoms and Descriptions
Intrusive Memories and Nightmares
Historical accounts and literary descriptions frequently mention intrusive memories and nightmares, which are core symptoms of PTSD. In medieval chronicles, knights and soldiers were often described as being haunted by visions of battle and the faces of those they had killed. For example, the Icelandic saga "Grettir's Saga" tells of Grettir Ásmundarson experiencing intense fear and anxiety after encounters with supernatural foes, mirroring modern PTSD flashbacks (Byock, 2009).
Hyperarousal and Emotional Numbing
Medieval texts also describe symptoms akin to hyperarousal and emotional numbing. Chroniclers like Froissart noted that warriors displayed heightened vigilance and irritability long after battles had ended (Froissart, 1805). Emotional numbing, or a diminished response to emotional stimuli, can be inferred from descriptions of medieval knights who, after prolonged exposure to combat, became detached and indifferent to violence and suffering (Kaeuper, 2001).
Avoidance Behaviours
Avoidance of reminders of trauma is another key symptom of PTSD. Medieval records include instances where individuals who had experienced traumatic events actively avoided places and activities associated with their trauma. For example, occasionally people who had been involved in violent conflicts sometimes retreated to monastic life as a form of psychological refuge (Bainton, 1951).
Conceptualization and Treatment
Medieval Medical Understanding
The medical understanding of trauma in the Middle Ages was rudimentary and often intertwined with religious and supernatural beliefs. The humoral theory, which dominated medieval medicine, attributed psychological disturbances to imbalances in bodily fluids (Porter, 1997). Melancholy, for instance, was linked to an excess of black bile and was thought to cause symptoms akin to depression and anxiety.
Religious and Supernatural Explanations
Traumatic experiences were frequently interpreted through a religious or supernatural lens. Mental disturbances were often seen as a result of demonic possession or divine punishment. Treatments included prayer, exorcism, and other religious rituals aimed at restoring spiritual balance (Caciola, 2003).
Modern Psychological Interpretation
PTSD Diagnosis in Historical Context
Applying modern diagnostic criteria retrospectively, it is possible to identify symptoms of PTSD in medieval accounts. While the term PTSD was not coined until the late 20th century, the experiences described in medieval texts align with contemporary understanding of the disorder. Studies suggest that individuals in the Middle Ages likely experienced PTSD, though it was conceptualized and treated within the context of their cultural and medical frameworks (Jones, 2006).
Cultural and Temporal Differences
Understanding PTSD in the Middle Ages requires consideration of the cultural and temporal context. The expression of trauma is influenced by societal norms and expectations, which shaped how symptoms were experienced and described. The medieval focus on honour, duty, and religious faith may have influenced how individuals processed and expressed their trauma (Shay, 1995).
Simply Put
The examination of PTSD-like symptoms in the Middle Ages reveals that trauma has been a persistent aspect of the human condition across time. While the understanding and treatment of such symptoms were shaped by the cultural and medical paradigms of the era, the fundamental human response to extreme stress and violence appears to be consistent. By exploring historical accounts through the lens of modern psychology, we can gain a deeper understanding of how trauma was experienced and managed in the past, providing valuable insights into the enduring nature of psychological suffering.
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PTSD-like symptoms existed in the Middle Ages, observed in historical accounts and literature.
Medieval warfare caused trauma, with knights and soldiers experiencing intrusive memories and nightmares.
Symptoms akin to hyperarousal and emotional numbing were documented, showing heightened vigilance and detachment.
Avoidance behaviors were noted, with some individuals seeking refuge in monastic life.
Medieval explanations for trauma were rooted in humoral theory and religious beliefs, attributing symptoms to bodily imbalances or supernatural causes.
Modern psychology recognizes these historical accounts as consistent with contemporary understanding of PTSD.
References
Anglo-Saxon Poetic Records. (1936). Beowulf. Columbia University Press.
Bainton, R. H. (1951). Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther. Abingdon-Cokesbury Press.
Byock, J. (2009). Grettir's Saga. Oxford University Press.
Caciola, N. (2003). Discerning Spirits: Divine and Demonic Possession in the Middle Ages. Cornell University Press.
Froissart, J. (1805). Chronicles of England, France, Spain, and the Adjoining Countries. (T. Johnes, Trans.). Longman, Hurst, Rees, and Orme.
Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and Crisis. Norton & Company.
Herman, J. L. (1997). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books.
Jones, E. (2006). Shell Shock to PTSD: Military Psychiatry from 1900 to the Gulf War. Psychology Press.
Kaeuper, R. W. (2001). Chivalry and Violence in Medieval Europe. Oxford University Press.
Keegan, J. (1976). The Face of Battle: A Study of Agincourt, Waterloo, and the Somme. Viking Press.
Porter, R. (1997). The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity. W.W. Norton & Company.
Shay, J. (1995). Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character. Scribner.
Thompson, C. P., Skowronski, J. J., Larsen, S. F., & Betz, A. L. (2011). Autobiographical Memory: Remembering What and Remembering When. Psychology Press.
