Mental Health
- Type:
Book Reviews
- Author:
Ewen, F.R.C.P.E., D.P.M.
Edward Arnold & Co. London. 12s. 6d.
This sets out to be “a practical guide to the disorders of the mind ” and it provides a concise yet comprehensive account of psychological medicine, which will be helpful to the general practitioner, the student and the would-be specialist who seek an introduction to mental hospital practice. The resident doctor here will find the chapters on his responsibilities and on the survey of the legal aspects most useful as a reference; though the note on the recommendation of the Atkin Report (p. 250), that irresistible impulse should be accepted as a plea of non-responsibility, might be followed by the comment that this recommendation has not yet been carried out.
The account of the psychoses is full and clear, though it may be questioned if the case histories add much to the student’s understanding?Dr Ewen has perhaps felt he can have no room for such lengthy reports as the classic case histories of Henderson and Gillespie? but his resulting brevity leaves notes which lack colour and life. The chapter on specialized methods of treatment (largely physical) is good, and useful as a guide, and as a reference.
In his description of the psycho-neurosis which, incidentally, occupies less than a tenth of the book, Dr Ewen is on less sure ground; and his outline of treatment makes it all sound very easy. The reader might welcome a little more detail about how to ” create new interests ” for the neurasthenic (p. 85) and how to ” insist on his facing the reality of life’s circumstances Moreover, there is only a passing reference to the influence the whole attitude of the doctor may have on the patient. Psychosomatic disorders are very sketchily handled, and indeed the index shows only one reference in the introduction. The book does, therefore, not contribute much for the practitioner dealing with the neurotic.
The form of the book could be improved by a fuller index and the correction of a few misprints, though one of the latter, ” over weaning ” arrogance (p. 4) is delightful. R.F.T.
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