The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.99.5.712

1. A series of 40 cases of mild psychotic illness and severe psychoneurosis is presented. These cases were treated by electric shock therapy given in the private offices of their physician or as out-patients at the Hillside Hospital.

2. This procedure was found to be entirely practicable and without untoward results, providing certain precautions were observed.

3. The results were similar to those in the hospital treatment of such cases. From a statistical point of view, our results should not be compared with hospital material, as this is an especially chosen group in whom the prognosis was definitely better than in the average run of cases. The benefits accruing to these patients, other than the immediate therapeutic results obtained, consisted of the avoidance of hospitalization, the continued contact with the normal environment, and the continuation of occupational activities in certain cases.

4. The importance of follow-up psychotherapy is emphasized and should form an integral part of the management of these cases.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.