NEUROPSYCHIATRY IN A STAGING AREA
LOUIS S. LIPSCHUTZ 1
1 Medical Corps, Army of the United States
1. The functions of a `staging area' have been described.
2. The importance of adequate neuropsychiatric facilities including an out-patient clinic was emphasized.
3. Of these, the psychiatric out-patient clinic was considered most important.
4. Mandatory psychiatric study of the military prisoner was suggested. The large number of psychopathic personalities in this group was noted.
5. The opportunity for psychiatric education of the medical officer in the military hospital was mentioned. The importance of doing so in order to correct emotional attitudes interfering with proper disposition was stressed.
6. The need of developing a more efficient method of discharging men with inaptitude or undesirable habits or traits of character in a `staging area' was stressed. The possibility of handling such cases by medical disposition was mentioned.
7. A rapid method of recording clinical data with minimal clerical facilities was outlined. It is suggested that such a file may help to derive valuable conclusions in the future.
8. The importance of morale as a factor in minimizing the incidence of psychiatric disorders in the armed forces was mentioned. The need for a systematic program of indoctrination, particularly of service troops, was emphasized.
9. The necessity for maintaining adequate and appropriate occupational and recreational activities and facilities in the `staging area' was stressed.
