Many people have opposing views when it comes to defining what madness is and their attitudes towards it, making the labeling of madness problematic madness. According to Foucault, madness is "a complex social phenomenon" (Foucault, 2001), which suggests that different definitions relate to particular periods of history and that the classical period represented a key moment in time when attitudes towards madness have changed (SparkNotes Editors, nd). Insanity is defined in different ways; such as a spiritual problem, a chemical disorder, a moral defect and the list goes on and on. The proposed definitions are offered tentatively, as different forms of mental suffering can be misleading (Foucault & Khalfa, 2006). Madness is said to date back to the beginning of humanity. This theory is supported by skulls dating back to 3000 BC, discovered by archaeologists (Porter, 2004). They featured small round holes carved using flint tools, suggesting that the person was believed to be possessed by demons and that the holes would allow the demons to escape (Porter, 2004). It was commonly believed that those who suffered from mental illness suffered because they suffered from a “disease of the soul” (Goldberg, 1999). Their madness was theoretically said to stem from an inner evil and, as a result, they were treated like animals. In the 16th century, madness was very secretive and, although it was a very present subject, it was not talked about openly. This was considered a sin and behavior that people sometimes considered animalistic would bring shame to the family. The topic of mental health in general and people with mental illness, we...... middle of paper ...... people with mental illness. Health Affairs. 11 (3), pages 186: 196Browne, K. (2006). Introduction to sociology for AS level. Cambridge: Polity Press Foucault, M. (2001). Madness and Civilization: A History of Madness in the Age of Reason. Cornwall: TJ International LtdFoucault, M. and Khalfa, J. (2006). Crazy story. Oxon: Routledge Goldberg, A. (1999). Sex, Religion, and the Creation of Modern Madness. New York: Oxford University Press Neaman, J. (1975). Devil's Suggestions: The origins of madness. New York: Anchor Books Porter, R. (2004). Madness: A Brief History. New York: Oxford University PressUssher, J., M. (1991) Women's Madness: Misogyny or Mental Illness? Ameherst, Ma: University of Massachusetts Press Yanni, C. (2007). The Architecture of Madness: Insane Asylums in the United States. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota Press