CURES BY HYPNOTISM

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21220, 17 September 1940, Page 2

CURES BY HYPNOTISM

fight against shell shock IMPORTANT RESEARCH WORK (Times Air Mail Service) LONDON, July 7 Costly and patient psychological treatment, such as at one time was only available to the wealthy, will now be at the disposal of every soldier suffering from “shell shock,” states the Sunday Dispatch. But the term “shell shock” itself is no longer used. Today every case is medically graded into special classes of nervous disorders, and the most, advanced treatment, including hypnotism, suggestion, and other forms of psychotheraphy is used. Remarkable results by the use of hypnotic treatment of soldiers affected in the Dunkirk retreat have already been achieved and reported in the medical journals. Behind these stories lies a scheme which the War Office has instituted to mobilise psychological experts throughout the country for this work. Shell shock exacted a heavy toll in the last war, and it is estimated that there are still nearly 40,000 uncured cases in hospitals and rest centres today. Although the War Office would not reveal the fact, it is believed that among the eminent specialists devoting themselves to the task are several members of the Austrian “school” of psychologists once led by the famous Professor Freud. Together with Harley Street and other specialists, they have evolved revolutionary methods of treatment. Prevention Too But they are interested in prevention as well as cure. Every recruit undergoes a minor form of psychoanalysis at his medical examination to discover if he has any history or symptom of nervous disorder which might affect his discipline in the front line. Thus men who might crack up under strain, or. as in the last war. might run the risk of being shot for “cowardice" —in reality due to some neurosis--will be found in time.