This is a training film for World War II military physicians. Early recognition and treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions in the combat zone, the need to understand the exhausted soldier, and treatment by narcosis therapy and chemical hypnosis are presented. In a neuropsychiatric hospital, the chief physician interviews a number of patients, one by one, and then explains their neuroses to the medical officers accompanying him. The three major sections of the facility are shown and explained: admission, treatment, and rehabilitation. Treatment may consist of sleep therapy, appetite stimulation by insulin, electro-shock therapy, exercise, and re-education. For combat zone exhaustion, recommended treatments include separation of exhausted from physically wounded soldiers, calming the hysterical patient, reassurance, food, rest, and tranquilizing agents. The prodromal signs of exhaustion are discussed - poor physical coordination, slowing of mental processes, excessive reaction to noise, inability to relax and rest, and outbursts of temper. Shots include: a "shell-shocked" soldier being seen in a combat-zone clearing station, an army physician lecturing to other physicians on combat exhaustion, and patients being treated at a large treatment facility.
Copyright:
The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information)
Extent:
050 min.
Color:
Black and white
Sound:
Sound
Provenance:
Received: Nov. 7, 1955 as a donation from the U.S. Army.