A Psychopathological Reaction Precipitated by Sensory Deprivation
GEORGE C. CURTIS M.D.1, and
MARVIN ZUCKERMAN PH.D.2
1 Medical research scientist, Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, Henry Ave. and Abbottsford Rd., Philadelphia, Pa. 19129, and assistant professor of psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
2 Associate member, division of endocrinology and reproduction, Albert Einstein Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pa.
A young male subject developed an acute psychotic reaction during an eight-hour sensory deprivation experiment. His delusions lasted several days, and severe anxiety and depression lasted several weeks. This is the third reported case of such a prolonged reaction.
