A Psychiatrist Looks at Tuberculosis
- Author:
Eric Wittkower, M.D. With an Introduction by
John Rickman, M.D. National Association for Prevention of Tuberculosis, Tavistock House North, W.C.I. 12s. 6d.
Dr Eric Wittkower is known throughout the world as an expert research psychiatrist in the psychosomatic field. The puzzling variety of reactions of the human body to the invasion of tuberculosis is made more clear by this study. The findings of 2years investigation show that by assessment of the previous personality of the patient, some prediction of the course of the illness is possible.
This survey in no way invalidates the other aetiological factors, such as adverse living conditions, but offers some explanation as to why the patient falls ill when he does. The main conclusion is that the individuals who develop tuberculosis seem to have an inability to deal adequately with their aggressive impulses and are prone, though for varying reasons and in different ways, to turn against themselves. The prognosis is better in the over dependent and leaning types. It is a pity that there has not been a control group and it is hoped that such an investigation will be done at a later date.
There is an introduction by Dr John Rickman, which contains an appreciation of Dr Wittkower’s interviewing skill. This book is to be recommended to all those who wish to see the patient as a whole and to understand the kind of personality he possesses and its influence on the course of his disease. A.T.
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