Plain directions for dealing with an insane patient / by J.M. Winn.

  • Winn, James M. (James Michell), 1808-1900.
Date:
1872
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Plain directions for dealing with an insane patient / by J.M. Winn. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    It is not my intention here to dwell on the details of medical treatment, but merely to lay down general rules for the safety and recovery of the patient. This is, how- ever, a proper place to insist on the vital importance of supporting acutely maniacal patients (as well as those in a state of acute melancholia) by a generous diet, as the expenditure of force in these cases is exceedingly exhaust- ing, and I have seen the worst consequences ensue from an opposite plan of treatment. If, after a fair trial of two or three weeks, this home treatment be found of no avail, then—and sooner if the patient get worse—it becomes the duty of the medical attendant to urge his removal to a lunatic asylum,* or to private care. In either case, the steps taken must be in strict accordance with the Limacy Acts. Granting that the case is one that may be equally well treated under private care as in an asylum, it must be observed that the expense of the former is generally *' As much has been written lately as to the comparative merits of an asylum, or of private care, I will briefly refer to some remarks on the subject, which I published in 1855 and again in 18G9. The following observations, which I made in 1855, had special regard to puerperal mania; but they hold good in all cases of insanity requiring removal from home :—A “ common prejudice which has not unfrequently interfered with the timely removal of a patient to a lunatic asylum is the dread entertained by the friends of the individual lest some sort of oppn - brium be incurred by her having been the inmate of what is vulgarly called a mad-liouse. This prejudice, which arises either from ignorance or mistaken delicacy, is passing away. Did the knowledge of Robert Hall's and Gooper's insanity diminish, in the slightest degree, the affectionate admiration in which these highly-gifted individuals were held ? Did it not rather tend to in- crease public sympathy and regard? *.* * I wish it to be clearly imderstood that I do not recommend the hasty and indiscriminate removal of a patient. There are many cases that may be cured without this measure being adopted. * * * In the humbler walks of life cases of insanity should be removed at an early period to an asylum. For rich patients, this measure may not always be necessary; they can obtain a quiet residence, all the comforts, and many of the