Studies in paranoia / tr. and ed. by Smith Ely Jelliffe.

Date:
1908
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Studies in paranoia / tr. and ed. by Smith Ely Jelliffe. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the Francis A. Countway Library of Medicine, Harvard Medical School.

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    wide and arbitrary step from the objective interpretation of the situation, which appreciates the whole as a pathological irresisti- ble coercion, to a failure to recognize this point of view, in the absence of all criticism. Every practitioner is acquainted with a number of patients in whom severe disturbances in the emo- tional sphere (described by Margulies as the source of delusion formation) are observed to follow a strong emotional idea, in the sense of expectancy, anxiety, etc.; dominating the individual for a long time without leading to delusions. These conditions are frequently observed in officers of the army. Thus: Case A. A captain, forty-one years of age, nervous ascendancy, himself generally nervous for years, was severely criticised by his highest superior at a review. He developed a highly neurasthenic condition, standing continously under the painful impression of the occurrence, always in fear of his discharge, which would be his death. This condition lasted for years, without leading to delusions. Case B. A colonel, slight nervous heredity, was unlucky in the army exercises at the annual manoeuvres, and was criticised without having deserved reproof. He had hardly been nervous before, but soon developed a severe neurasthenic condition. Of high ambition— father of five children—not a wealthy man—he lived in constant fear and anxiety in regard to his discharge. Although this condition was maintained for months at the same level, no delusions were noted. The following case even more closely resembles the observa- tions of Margulies. Case C. A merchant from Holland, thirty-nine years old, not much faulty heredity, self-made man, now has extensive business, which he manages with his wife. He became nervously irritable without visible cause, had insomnia, gradually developed severe neu- rasthenia and was extremely restless and irritable. At the height of this state, he said that the district attorney was threatening to prosecute him; that he had ruined his business and his family. Patient made several attempts at suicide, tried to jump out of a mov- ing train, and could only be restrained by force. There were no signs of paresis. After a short time, the patient admitted under urgent persuasion that a year previously he had signed a blank check for a business acquaintance, without the knowledge of his wife. This acquaintance had meanwhile been declared bankrupt, and a prolongation of the check was impossible. He, the patient, being