Prior to 1946, the field of adult mental health lacked recognition as a scientific discipline. However, dating as far back as 705 AD, the Arab world pioneered the establishment of hospitals for the mentally ill, laying the foundation for the subsequent dominance of insane asylums in mental health care for centuries [Wilkinson, 2019]. Clifford Beers, inspired by his experiences in such hospitals, emerged as a pivotal figure in the mental hygiene movement of the late 19th century, a prerequisite to the current mental health discipline. This movement advocated for improved care for individuals with mental disorders, aiming to shield them from the abuses often endured. The early 20th century witnessed the conceptualisation of Sigmund Freud’s psychodynamic approach, prompting deinstitutionalisation and reshaping mental health care paradigms [Britannica, 2023]. Later, B. F. Skinner introduced us to behavioural and cognitive concepts of mental health in the mid-20th century. The 1970s marked the widespread adoption of psychiatric medication and the development of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy practices [National Library of Medicine, 2023]. Current approaches focus on a medical model of mental health, emphasising the influence of biological and neurological factors in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders.

Models and approaches to adult mental health can be categorised into the following five categories: biological, centering on the impact of the brain and nervous system; psychological, highlighting the interplay of negative cognitions; social, attributing mental distress to social circumstances; consumer, reflecting the experiences of those treated by mental health services; and cultural, ecompassing cultural, traditional, or spiritual perspectives of mental illness [Richter & Dixon, 2023].

There are a number of theories and approaches used to assess, diagnose, treat and explain adult mental health. While some have stood the test of time, adapting as needed over the decades, others, like biological models, have emerged in recent decades, ushering in a new era of psychological exploration and discovery.