What is shell shock and how was it treated?

How did they treat shellshock

In World War I this condition (then known as shell shock or 'neurasthenia') was such a problem that 'forward psychiatry' was begun by French doctors in 1915. Some British doctors tried general anaesthesia as a treatment (ether and chloroform), while others preferred application of electricity.

What happened to Shell Shocked soldiers

The unlucky ones were subjected to a mock trial, charged, and convicted. Some shell shocked soldiers were shot dead by their own side after being charged with cowardice. They were not given posthumous pardons.

What was the electroshock treatment in ww1

Electric Shock Treatment was very popular. This involved an electric current being applied to various body parts to cure the symptoms of Shellshock. For example, an electric current would be applied to the pharynx of a soldier suffering from mutism or to the spine of a man who had problems walking.

What are the effects of shell shock

But by 1916, military and medical authorities were convinced that many soldiers exhibiting the characteristic symptoms—trembling “rather like a jelly shaking”; headache; tinnitus, or ringing in the ear; dizziness; poor concentration; confusion; loss of memory; and disorders of sleep—had been nowhere near exploding …

What was PTSD called for Vietnam soldiers

Early on, public health care referred to PTSD by many different names such as “shell shock,” “combat fatigue,” and “war neurosis.” PTSD was even commonly called “Vietnam Stress,” and “Vietnam Syndrome.” PTSD first became a recognized disorder in 1980, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Did people recover from shell shock

Some of those who suffered from shell shock were able to cope with it after the war, and even found that it lessened over time. But others – such as Bertram Steward's friend – were never able to readjust.

What was shell shock called in Vietnam

PTSD–Shellshock–Hit Vietnam Vets Hardest

Then, it was called combat neurosis and shellshock.

Can you recover from shellshock

Some of those who suffered from shell shock were able to cope with it after the war, and even found that it lessened over time. But others – such as Bertram Steward's friend – were never able to readjust.

Why is electroshock therapy still used

People who can't take medications for mental health conditions for any reason can often still receive ECT. This can make a big difference for people with organ function problems or people who are pregnant (ECT is safe during all three trimesters of pregnancy). It's especially effective in combination with medication.

What was PTSD called in Vietnam

Early on, public health care referred to PTSD by many different names such as “shell shock,” “combat fatigue,” and “war neurosis.” PTSD was even commonly called “Vietnam Stress,” and “Vietnam Syndrome.” PTSD first became a recognized disorder in 1980, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

Do people recover from shell shock

Some of those who suffered from shell shock were able to cope with it after the war, and even found that it lessened over time. But others – such as Bertram Steward's friend – were never able to readjust.

Why was PTSD so bad in Vietnam

Many mental health professionals in Psychiatry attribute the high incidence of PTSD in Vietnam-era veterans to a lack of “decompression” time.

Why was Vietnam so traumatic

Unlike veterans who fought in previous conflicts, the Vietnam veterans were never welcomed home, so many of them suffered from significant social isolation. Jim's PTSD was a result of his military experience in conflict and social isolation which created a vicious circle.

Why was shell shock so difficult to treat

Because doctors were not sure what caused 'shell-shock', it was difficult to find an appropriate cure. Sassoon was extremely lucky to be sent to a doctor like Rivers, who practised psychotherapy. Few institutions offered this form of treatment.

What is shell shock and how did soldiers get it

The term was coined in 1915 by medical officer Charles Myers. At the time it was believed to result from a physical injury to the nervous system during a heavy bombardment or shell attack, later it became evident that men who had not been exposed directly to such fire were just as traumatised.

What caused PTSD in the Vietnam War

Those who served in the Vietnam war still frequently struggle with PTSD. PTSD can occur in Veterans who witnessed a traumatic events in service, such as a natural disaster, death, combat exposure, or sexual assault.

Why is electroshock therapy banned

The FDA officially banned ESDs to treat self-injury or aggressive behaviour on 4 March 2020, saying the devices “present an unreasonable and substantial risk of illness or injury.” It accepted that evidence showed that ESDs were linked to significant physical and psychological risks, including depression, anxiety, post …

How successful was electroshock therapy

ECT is an effective medical treatment option, helping as many as 80-85 percent of patients who receive it. Most patients remain well for many months afterwards. The tendency to relapse after a favorable treatment outcome can often be countered by medication after a series of treatments.

What happened to shell shock victims

Medical treatment ranged from the gentle to the cruel. Freudian techniques of talk and physical therapy helped many victims, while more extreme methods involved electric shock therapy. During the latter, patients were electrocuted in the hope of stimulating paralyzed nerves, vocal chords, or limbs.

How poorly were Vietnam veterans treated

Those who supported the war resented the veterans for losing the war, which left Vietnam veterans feeling like outsiders to veterans of other wars. The Vietnam War divided American society. Those who served were often treated as traitors instead of heroes, and found it difficult to adjust to life back home.

Why was Vietnam a dirty war

Answer and Explanation: The Vietnam War was called a dirty war for several reasons, most notably the brutality of the tactics used by the French and American militaries in the hopes of putting down the communist rebellion.

How did people react to shell shock

The term "shell shock" was coined by the soldiers themselves. Symptoms included fatigue, tremor, confusion, nightmares and impaired sight and hearing. It was often diagnosed when a soldier was unable to function and no obvious cause could be identified.

How bad was the PTSD after Vietnam War

Their study found that almost three decades after the Vietnam War, many veterans continued to experience problems with PTSD. At the initial interview, approximately 12% had PTSD. Fourteen years later, the rates of PTSD had dropped only slightly to approximately 11%.

What is PTSD in Vietnam called

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined as having flashbacks, upsetting memories, and anxiety following a traumatic event. It was first officially recognized as a mental health condition in 1980, only five years after the end of the Vietnam War.

Was electroshock therapy painful

Once your medical team is sure that you are deeply asleep and that your muscles are completely relaxed, they will administer the ECT treatment. Because you will be asleep, you will experience no pain during the treatment and will not feel the current or the seizure.