Madness

Madness is a historically broad, nonclinical term used to describe severe disturbances of thinking, mood, or perception. It has encompassed a range of states, including psychosis, delirium, manic episodes, and other forms of mental distress. Because it is not a precise medical diagnosis, the exact meaning of madness has varied across time, culture, and field of use.

It has roots in historical attempts to explain abnormal behavior, often linked to moral, spiritual, or supernatural concepts. In early medicine and philosophy, ideas such as humors or moral disorder influenced how societies responded to madness. With the development of modern psychiatry, attention shifted toward symptom-based classifications rather than moral judgment.

In contemporary clinical practice, “madness” is not used as a formal diagnosis. Mental disorders are classified by systems such as the DSM or ICD, which describe conditions like psychotic disorders, mood disorders with psychotic features, delirium, and cognitive disorders. In legal contexts, “insanity” or “not guilty by reason of insanity” is a separate standard used to evaluate criminal responsibility.

Cultural interpretations of madness vary widely. Some traditions attribute distress to spiritual or relational factors, while others emphasize biomedical causes. In literature, art, and film, madness has been a persistent motif for exploring creativity, constraint, and social experience, often prompting ongoing discussions about stigma and treatment.