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Indiana University Studies 



nervous basis). Peculiar or abnormal behavior, then, is an index of peculiar 

 or abnormal brain condition. 



True insanity always has a physical basis, that is, there is an 

 actual breaking clown of the nerve cells. Certain forms of insan- 

 ity, as paresis, have been found to be due to some infectious 

 disease which finally affects the nerve centers. In other forms 

 the cause is not so clearly demonstrated, as dementia praecox. 



From the social point of view it is necessary to call the lay- 

 man's attention to the simple facts of mental disease. Emploj^ers, 

 especially, should be able to recognize when an individual is 

 mentally sick and needs a doctor's care. It used to be the pre- 

 vailing notion that all insane people were raving maniacs requir- 

 ing the straight-jacket and the padded cell. However, some enlight- 

 enment has come thru popular articles in periodicals in more 

 recent years and thru the founding of the National and State 

 Hygiene Societies whose meetings are ojyen to the public and 

 whose literature is widely distributed. 



It must be realized above all that mental sickness is just as 

 real, but far worse than physical sickness. It should be dealt 

 with in a common-sense way until professional services can be 

 secured. It is remarkable how closely mental abnormality 

 approximates the normal, especially the normal under stress. 

 All acute mental disorders are better taken care of in a hospital 

 for their especial care, and all incurables should have permanent 

 institutional care. 



It is the social worker's duty often to persuade families to 

 file inquests on some of their members and send them to institu- 

 tions. The plea of safety for the rest, especially the children, 

 usually overcomes regard for the patient and unwillingness to 

 have him leave the family circle. Early recognition of mental dis- 

 order and immediate expert medical attention may mean the 

 prevention of an incurable condition. In visiting the homes of 

 patients the observing social worker will be able to recognize 

 many deviations from normal mentality and may advise exami- 

 nation. She will doubtless be impressed by the number of 

 instances where different manifestations of mental disease occur 

 in the same family. 



(h) Psychoses not true insanity. The psychoses which are 

 not true insanity include such diseases as hysteria, neurosis, and 

 neurasthenia. General interest has been awakened in this group 

 thru its war manifestations. Those who were greatly impressed 



