Mental Disease and Defect 



15 



Thyroid cases fall into this group of the mental and nervous 

 disorders. Among them are found the cretins who lack sufficient 

 thyroid substance which in some way is connected with the devel- 

 opment of the brain. Children who are dull mentally and found 

 to be cretins improve greatly under feeding of thyroid extracts. 

 There are also the cases of hyperthyroidism, and of several differ- 

 ent kinds of goitre. These cases often have a mental reaction 

 which very nearly resembles insanity. Their extreme nervous- 

 ness, irritability, and markedly self-centered attitude makes them 

 unwelcome companions and a disturbing element in the home life. 

 In the beginning it is often difficult for the family or even the 

 patient to realize that he, or usually she, is actually sick. Here 

 again, prompt expert medical attention is necessary to a rapid 

 recovery. Under medical or surgical care complete recovery 

 usually ensues. These patients, like the choreic children, are not 

 normally-minded during their illness, and are most difficult to 

 handle. This is especially true of the adults, who often cannot 

 be persuaded nor coerced into following the measures prescribed 

 for their cure. 



It will be noted that the social aspects in each form of mental 

 disease or defect are most significant. The following chapters 

 will attempt to point out by examples some social problems pre- 

 sented by each group. 



