Indiana University Studies 



be deemed advisable. The phychoses with their numerous mani- 

 festations and capricious nature are very prevalent and con 

 tribute largely to social maladjustment. Unusual or unnatural 

 emotional conditions extended over a period of time produce irri- 

 tability and loss of self-control. There are often physical symp- 

 toms in disorderly action of the heart, tremors, loss of flesh, 

 hearing, or speech. 



The idea of illness and its possible consequences obsesses most neuras- 

 thenics. In many cases the idea that they will never recover becomes fixed 

 and has a baneful effect on the progress which should be made — misplaced 

 sympathy and unintelligent nursing frequently result in the manufacture 

 of severe cases.* 



The patient should have the confident assurance of recovery 

 by all with whom he comes in contact. It must be remem- 

 bered that he has an exaggerated, abnormal mental outlook 

 and he needs the stimulating effects of common sense and a 

 healthy, normal environment. Colonel Collie says : "Personally, 

 I have always believed that hard and continuous work is the only 

 way to be really happy, and that work in one form or another is 

 the only salvation for those who are suffering from functional 

 nerve disease."^ 



George M., a neurasthenic of forty-five years of age, believed 

 that he had tuberculosis. He was carefully examined and found 

 free from the disease. However, he could not be persuaded that 

 he was able to return to work. He was given relief by various 

 social organizations, who also believed him unable to work, and 

 frequently returned to the doctor with some new pain. Finally, 

 convinced that the doctor was wrong, and that his tuberculosis 

 was real, he secured money from relatives and went west to seek 

 health. 



Edith C, the mother of 5 children, has had hysteria with a 

 loss of voice, often lasting five weeks, after the birth of each child. 

 She recovers each time, takes care of her household duties, and 

 shows no symptoms except a noticeable nervousness until the 

 time of her next delivery. 



Bert H. is the father of 6 children, 1 of whom is a cretin. 

 An uncle died in an insane hospital. Bert had spinal meningitis 

 and typhoid fever twice. He suffered from sleeplessness and 



8 Colonel Sir John Collie, M.D., A. M.S., "The Management of War Neuroses and 

 Allied Disorders in the Army", Mental Hygiene, Vol. II, 1918, p. 4. 

 nmd., p. 10. 



