What is Hippocrates’ contribution to the understanding of mental disorders?

Hippocrates is known for significant advancements in the understanding of mental disorders, particularly through his classification of these conditions. He moved the perspective away from supernatural explanations and emphasized that mental disorders could be understood in terms of natural causes, such as imbalances in bodily fluids or environmental factors. This was a pivotal shift in thinking, as it laid the groundwork for future inquiries into the biological and psychological underpinnings of mental health.

Furthermore, Hippocrates also categorized mental disorders, which was one of the early attempts to systematically organize knowledge about mental illness. His contributions were foundational, as they signaled a move towards a more rational and empirical approach to health and illness—an approach that continues to influence modern psychiatric practices and theories.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect Hippocrates' contributions. He did not develop psychological assessment tools, nor was he the first to use medication as a treatment for mental disorders. Additionally, while he acknowledged environmental factors, he did not focus solely on them, as his framework included natural, physiological explanations as well.