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.101.6.801

A positive correlation was observed between the effects of intravenous sodium amytal and of convulsive shock treatment on 40 patients suffering from psychoses without demonstrable organic pathology. The different types of response were illustrated by the case histories of 6 patients. It is concluded that the sodium amytal test is of some value in predicting the outcome of convulsive shock treatment, and may be of practical use in selecting cases for treatment. It is suggested that the use of this test may be combined with the use of the Rorschach and performance tests. This correlation may also serve as a lead for further investigation of the pathologic physiology of so-called functional mental disorders.

Access content

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