The Discovery of General Paralysis

1923 ◽  
Vol 69 (284) ◽  
pp. 1-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
George M. Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Pathological Anatomy ◽  
General Paralysis ◽  
Associated Symptoms ◽  
The Mind

On November 21, 1822, a young man named A. L. J. Bayle presented a thesis for the Doctorate of Medicine to the Faculty of Paris. It was entitled “Recherches sur les Maladies Mentales,” and it was sustained. In this thesis Bayle recorded the opinion that general and incomplete paralysis and mental disorder, when they developed side by side, were caused by chronic arachnitis. In other words that these two groups of phenomena—a certain form of paralysis and disorder of the mind—were the associated symptoms of a definite disease, having a distinctive pathological anatomy. This was an opinion never expressed before by anyone, and it has since then been proved to be true in its essential features. The disease he referred to is now known as general paralysis of the insane.

The Neuropathic Diathesis, or the Diathesis of the Degenerate

1888 ◽  
Vol 34 (146) ◽  
pp. 167-176
Author(s):  
G. T. Revington
Keyword(s):  
Family History ◽  
Normal Development ◽  
Personal History ◽  
Striking Feature ◽  
General Paralysis ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Mind

I think that the foregoing statistics, and those which follow, together with the large number of cases which I quote, and which connect general paralysis with almost every form of neurotic manifestation, will prove conclusively that neurotic inheritance is a striking feature in the causation of general paralysis. I question whether a distinction between “the cerebral and the insane element” in general paralysis can be maintained. If general paralysis is not a degeneration of the mind-tissue, then the pathology of insanity has no existence, and I would say that the subtle influence for evil, which is transmitted from parents, whose brains are deteriorated by neurotic outbursts, or soaked in alcohol, or wrecked by physiological immorality, tends strongly towards such degeneration. If insanity is, as Dr. Savage says, a perversion of the ego, then a general paralytic is the in-sanest of the insane. We know that the children of a melancholic parent, for example, may develop any form of neurosis—in other words, it is not that melancholia or general paralysis, or any other definite disease, is transmitted, but that a certain tendency to deviate from normal development is transmitted. This tendency to deviate is the neurotic diathesis, and the form of its development is determined by collateral circumstances, and a certain series of collateral circumstances determine the development of general paralysis. Perhaps neurotic inheritance may mean in some cases a limited capital of nervous energy, and if this is wasted recklessly the individual breaks down suddenly and pathologically, as we all do slowly and physiologically. I would also point out that considering the number of histories of insanity which owing to ignorance or reticence we, do not receive, and considering that we never receive information as to the existence of the slighter neuroses, it is marvellous that we get so high a percentage as 51. Of the 145 general paralytics with a reliable history, 38 had a family history of insanity, 28 a family history of drink, 8 of both, 43 had a personal history of drink, 8 of a previous attack too remote to be considered, at least, according to our present ideas, as part of the disease, and the vast majority had a history of some physiological irregularity which must be considered as conducive to the creation of an acquired neurosis. We may now pass to some further statistics.

Koch's Lymph as a cause of Mental Disorder

1891 ◽  
Vol 37 (157) ◽  
pp. 257-260
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Established Fact ◽  
After Effect ◽  
Special Number ◽  
The Mind

In a special number of the “Berliner Klin. Wochenschrift” is the report of a contribution to the discussion on Koch's treatment by Prof. Jolly, the well-known alienist, who has succeeded Prof. Westphal at the Charité. Prof. Jolly's contribution is on the development of certain psychoses as an after-effect of the injections by Koch's method. We feel inclined to exclaim “Et tu Jolly!” for of all recent impeachments of the “cure” surely this was the least to be expected. Prof. Jolly must, however, be read, for we shall then find that what he says is, in all respects, most reasonable, and that his statement may be said to amount to an impeachment of some degree of seriousness. He first points out the well-established fact that pyrexia does not affect the mind, during its presence only, in the form of the delirium of fever, but that any and every kind of fever is liable to be followed by certain psychoses. He then states that it was most reasonable to expect that the fever artificially excited by Koch's method would not prove an exception to this rule, and proceeds to detail three cases in which as a sequel to the injections a definite insanity arose.

Normality and Diversity

Mind Shift ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 222-238
Author(s):  
John Parrington
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Bipolar Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Human Society ◽  
Normal Spectrum ◽  
The Mind

This chapter begins by arguing that the different approaches to mental disorders are united in viewing such mental conditions as abnormal. Yet is it really the case that everything termed a mental ‘disorder’ is indeed so? Or could it be that in diagnosing conditions that affect the mind, we are ignoring the possibility that some ‘disorders’ may be part of the normal spectrum of human diversity? To take this argument further, could it even be the case that such diversity is an important component of human society and a source of some of its richness and achievements? The chapter looks at these possibilities, with particular reference to two quite different mental conditions—autism spectrum disorder and bipolar disorder. Autism spectrum disorders have been described as characterized by 'impairments in social interaction and both verbal and non-verbal communication, along with restricted, repetitive or stereotyped behaviour'. Meanwhile, the high and low phases of bipolar disorder are often so extreme that they interfere with everyday life; consequentially this can be a highly debilitating disorder. However, there is also an association of both types of mental disorder with great creativity, and high levels of intelligence.

Factual Tests for Identification of Volitional Insanity

1984 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Z. Feller
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Sufficient Condition ◽  
Social Meaning ◽  
Mental Maturity ◽  
The Mind ◽  
Legal Consequences ◽  
Emotional Condition

A. Soundness of mind at the time of committing an offence is complementary to mental maturity as a condition for the criminal capacity of the perpetrator and is thus a condition for the criminality of his act. Accordingly, the perpetrator's mental disorder limits the criminality of his act, although not every such disorder has such radical legal consequences. If the disorder is cognitive, it must be such as to prevent the person from understanding the physical or social meaning of his conduct: if it is volitional, it must be such as to prevent him, at the time of his act, from choosing between performing the act and refraining from doing so. These are symptoms of mental disorder that negatives the criminal capacity of a person, and each of them is a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition. It is essential that this be due to a disease of the mind or an organic defect of reason. The disorder in question is therefore a radical one, and one that is also chronic if not permanent in nature, as opposed to temporary or less deep-rooted conditions such as a disturbed state, a trauma or emotional condition, impulsiveness in certain matters or urges that deviate from the normal in certain areas.B. The following remarks are confined to the absence of criminal capacity on the volitional level, to which we shall refer in short as “volitional insanity’. This is the case where the person at the time of his act did not have a choice between acting or not acting due to a disease affecting his mind. This case is also referred to as the commission of an act as a result of an irresistible morbid impulse.

The Third Maudsley Lecture.

1922 ◽  
Vol 68 (282) ◽  
pp. 209-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurice Craig
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Medical Science ◽  
Complete Recovery ◽  
Medical Problem ◽  
Left Behind ◽  
Great Insight ◽  
Psychological Medicine ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Mind ◽  
Time And Energy

We are met to fulfil the behest of one of the most distinguished physicians of psychological medicine of recent times. Maudsley was a leader in his lifetime, and he lit a lamp for research which it is our duty and that of the generations which follow after to keep burning. He was a man with a great insight and practical withal, for he has left behind him benefactions which are endowed by his inspiration and which must live with increasing benefit to mankind. The acuteness of Maudsley's vision is demonstrated by the method in which he founded these lectures; he perceived, and perceived rightly, that mental disorder was not purely a medical problem, but that there was a lay side to it which was of vital importance, and in consequence he directed that in alternate years a scientific and a popular lecture should be given. He wrote that “there are not many natures predisposed to insanity but might be saved from it were they placed in their earliest days in exactly those circumstances and subjected to exactly that training most fitted to counteract that innate infirmity.” No doubt this connotes much, and to some it may seem an overwhelming task. For it would appear to include a full appreciation of how mental disorder is brought about; what, if any, are the precursory indications, and what symptoms, when present, should be regarded as potentially dangerous to the future welfare of the mind of an individual. The inquiry is a fascinating one, and the problem can be more quickly unravelled by the working of physician, psychologist and educationalist in close collaboration. Mental disorder unfortunately, as things are at present, only becomes a medical matter when it has advanced a considerable distance, but this must be changed, and it must be our endeavour as physicians to control its very beginnings. Whilst it is right to devote time and energy to examine scientifically every means by which the recovery or the alleviation of mental disorder may be brought about and to use them to the full, in the end the return for these labours must be limited; to control its gateways and to prevent its occurrence far out-rivals any treatment of disorder that has once become established. In fact it is doubtful whether a complete recovery ever does take place in the sense that the patient is free from any scarring from the experience he has passed through. Preventive medicine is the side of medical science which is most attractive, offering as it does benefits of infinite value both to the individual and to the nation. Investigation tends more and more to establish the view that many disorders have their inception in childhood and experience confirms that this is true of the more common types of mental disturbance. It is on this account that I have decided to take as my subject for this lecture “Some Aspects of Education and Training in Relation to Mental Disorder.” The term “education” will be used in its widest sense and will connote the instruction and upbringing of the child both at home and in the school.

The Diagnosis of Insanity

1857 ◽  
Vol 3 (20) ◽  
pp. 141-185
Author(s):  
John Charles Bucknill
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Large Class ◽  
Acute Mania ◽  
Mutual Dependence ◽  
General Paralysis ◽  
Moral Insanity

The Diagnosis of Mania — Melancholia — Monomania — Moral Insanity—General Paralysis—Feigned Insanity —Concealed InsanityMania is the term applied to that large class of mental disorders in which the functions are in a state of excitement, and their mutual dependence and proportion disturbed. It embraces forms of disease so widely apart from each other, that in treating practically of its diagnosis it will be essential to make some classification. For practical purposes it will be sufficient to distinguish its forms into those of acute mania, comprising cases which present recent and active symptoms; chronic mania, in which acute symptoms have given way to others of a more tranquil and permanent kind; and incomplete mania, corresponding to the “mania raisonante” of the French, and embracing those anomalous and undeveloped forms of mental disorder in which defective power of volition and morbid propensities are prominent symptoms.

scholarly journals NARCISSISM ANALYSIS OF RUPERT IN PAUL HOWARD SURRIDGE’S ALL IN THE MIND

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 115-120
Author(s):  
Pramudana Ihsan ◽  
Okta Reyna Dwi Tanaya
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Mental Disorder ◽  
Common Mental Disorder ◽  
Literary Work ◽  
Psychological Disorder ◽  
Main Character ◽  
Common Disorder ◽  
The One ◽  
The Mind ◽  
Taking Care

Purpose: Psychological disorder topics are being a common topic in a lot of discussions lately, moreover for the narcissism as the one of the most common disorder in psychology but with the least intention to taking care of. Thus, this study will focus on narcissism disorder in the main character named Rupert Digby in the drama script All in the Mi by Paul Howard Surridge. This analysis will apply psychoanalysis theory, especially in Narcissism Disorder as the most common mental disorder among society which has a lack of awareness from people nowadays. Methodology: The methodology that the writer has used is qualitative research which needs a deep analysis of the literary work that used by the writers of this study based on the theory that had been chosen. Results: This analysis aims at finding illustrations and proofs in the drama script All in The Mind’s main character, which can illustrate the narcissism disorder. In this study, we find that the main character Rupert Digby in the drama can be diagnosed as possessing the narcissism disorder. Implications: His behaviors such as his big ego, his superiority, and the feeling of exclusiveness among others, clarify that Rupert is a narcissist. Besides, this research also finds the trigger that makes Rupert turned into a narcissist.

On the Early Phases of Mental Disorder, and their Treatment

1881 ◽  
Vol 27 (118) ◽  
pp. 189-193
Author(s):  
W. B. Kesteven
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorder ◽  
The Mind ◽  
Early Phases

To recognise disorder of the mind in its early phases, places it within our reach at the most opportune season for checking or arresting its progress. The first signs of alienation, if duly appreciated, should afford warnings to have recourse, without delay, to the means of cutting it short. The consequences of overlooking or neglecting these timely indications may soon become irreparable. With what thankfulness do we not hail prevention in malignant or infectious maladies; with equal eagerness ought we not also to be on the watch for, and ready to avail ourselves of, means of staying the approach of symptoms that may apparently be less urgent or less obvious, but which are nevertheless certain indications of an affliction which may blight the hopes of a whole life, bringing with it unhappiness and misery incalculable.

The Varieties of General Paralysis of the Insane

1878 ◽  
Vol 24 (105) ◽  
pp. 25-49
Author(s):  
W. Julius Mickle
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Inflammation ◽  
Serous Effusion ◽  
Chronic Hydrocephalus ◽  
Pathological Anatomy ◽  
Chronic Meningitis ◽  
General Paralysis ◽  
Large Group ◽  
The Third ◽  
Mental Symptoms ◽  
Organic Lesions

In any large group of cases of general paralysis, there are such differences in the mental symptoms, the paretic signs, the mode of onset, the course, intercurrent affections, duration, variability and mobility of symptoms, and pathological anatomy of the several cases, that one must feel that there are varieties of the disease. This has led to subdivisions of the affection, or grouping of its cases, scarcely any of which have had a pathological basis. True it is that Bayle, who was the first to differentiate general paralysis, and who attributed its striking phenomena each to a special morbid change, was led to place his cases in five series, in the first of which were simply the lesions of chronic meningitis, and in the second abundant serous effusion was added to these; in the third consecutive inflammation of the grey cortex; in the fourth arachnoid false membranes (cysts); and in the fifth various cerebral affections, complicated the chronic inflammation of the soft membranes. Yet many of his explanations are obviously incorrect, although his work marks a marvellous advance in science. Again, Baillarger, Requin, Prus, Duhamel, Duchenne, Sandras and others, held that general paralysis occurred either with or without insanity, and the first-named of these denied that the insanity is anything more than secondary and accessory in general paralysis of the insane.∗ Further, he speaks, and in this is followed by Lunier, of the symptoms of general paralysis as being produced by (1) chronic meningo-encephalitis, and by (2) chronic hydrocephalus (Dance, Moulin), or serous effusion following apoplexy (Rochoux, Moulin), or symptomatic of organic lesions. But they do not in any way distinguish between the cases arising from the two kinds of lesion, further than that Lunier asserts an absence of trembling of the limbs in those from lesions of the second kind.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document