Illnesses During The 1900s

One of the top three leading causes of death was by illnesses during the 1900s (Carolina Demography Staff). There were multiple diseases being transmitted and caught over those years such as Depression, Hepatitis C, Polio, and Schizophrenia to name a few (Healthline Editorial Team). Many illnesses both mental and physical were common during the 1900s. Many of the symptoms, the ways they were caught, and treatment methods made all of these diseases a familiar way of life living in that time. Most of the information listed comes from modern treatment. It may be evident what disease the victim may have by the symptoms they display. Of those symptoms, you can normally identify whether or not the disease is mental or physical. For example, a

Symptoms of PTSD include: avoiding situations that remind the individual of the event, changes in their beliefs and feelings, and a feeling of being on edge (Is it PTSD?). Another mental illness, Schizophrenia, is a disorder where the victim experiences severe distortion in the way the victim thinks, acts, expresses emotions, and perception of reality (Schizophrenia: An Overview). Schizophrenia is a life-long disease that has no cure and could cause problems for the victim and others involved with them. Common symptoms of Schizophrenia include: hallucinations, delusions, confused thoughts and speech, withdrawing from others, and struggles with everyday life (What are the Symptoms of Schizophrenia?). Finally, Manic Depression, or Bipolar Disorder, is a complex disorder that involves intense mood swings (Bipolar Disorder). Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can consist of: poor eating habits, fluctuating weight, negative feelings and thoughts, and self mutilation (Bipolar Disorder). A victim of any sort of internal illness may experience a variety of symptoms. Hepatitis C is a virus that causes liver damage (Hepatitis C). Symptoms

All causes are unique to the specific disease. Mental illnesses have very few causes. Triggering PTSD in an individual requires a truly terrifying, or traumatizing event that happens in their life (PTSD Basics). However, with Schizophrenia, you can get it through genetics, or simply from your environmental factors such as how you have been treated at home (What Causes Schizophrenia?). There is no real known cause for Manic Depression (Manic Depression). Possibilities do include genetics and environmental factors as well. Internal illnesses has a cause and a way to be transmitted. Hepatitis C is caused by a virus and is a bloodborne illness (Hepatitis C). Anyone that is uninfected may receive it through sharing needles, being exposed to infected blood, or anyone who has had any blood clotting concentrates before 1987. Before 1987, they used donated blood from anyone since they did not check the donor’s blood before taking it from them (Factor Replacement Therapy). As a result, Hepatitis C was spread to many people. Polio, on the other hand, is caused by a virus. It is spread through infected fecal matter, food, water, and direct interaction with someone who is infected (Polio). Finally, Diptheria is caused by a bacteria and spread through airborne droplets and coming into contact with infected household and personal items