한국사상 최초의 정신병과 이의 치료에 관한 기록

Abstract

A reference to the first authentic case of mental illness in Korea can be found in the Samkuk·saki, the oldest history book of Korea. In this book, it was mentioned that during the latter part of Silla dynasty, in 822, A. D., Chunggong, the highest ranking government official fell ill. The court physician, upon exarrumng him, said the ill resides on his heart and therefore prescribed the ivory soup and days of rest. At this time a government official named Nokjin, who probably was not a physician himself but who apparently was well acquainted with medicine, succeeded in seeing the lord who has been refusing to see any visitors and heard the lord saying: "Only dark and mute. My mind is unpleasant". Upon which Nokjin said not an ivory soup nor any other medicine but "right words and sophisticated talk" would cure him. Chunggong wanted to hear Nokjin's words and asked Nokjin's help. Following a talk Chunggong was cured and went back to work. The King was impressed and wanted to share the pleasure with the crown prince. Chunggong, the government minister of Silla, in 822, A.D., suffered from depression and was cured by Nokjin; his "right words and sophisticated talk". This is the first recorded case of mental illness in Korea and also the first psydhotherapy in Korea.