NEUROPSYCHIATRIC ASPECTS OF ACUTE POLIOMYELITIS
Abstract
1. A neuropsychiatric study of 108 hospitalized patients with acute poliomyelitis was made during the Boston epidemic of 1955. Of these, 46 patients were in respirators, 48 had paralytic poliomyelitis not requiring a respirator, and 14 had non-paralytic poliomyelitis.
2. A delirium was observed in 17 patients who were acutely ill with bulbar or bulbospinal poliomyelitis. This delirium was characterized clinically by a varying level of consciousness, pleasurable hallucinatory experiences and frequent illusions and delusions. There was waxing and waning of disorientation and confusion with a shortened attention span. Imaginary experiences were often described by patients as "wakeful" or "vivid dreams." The delirium occurred with the acute toxic phase of illness and lasted an average of two weeks followed by complete recovery in those patients who survived.
3. Psychological responses to acute poliomyelitis were studied in an attempt to delineate specific mechanisms involved. Rationalization, denial, and regression were often observed and have been described. The occurence of anxiety and depression at various stages of the disease is noted and discussed.
4. The role of a psychiatrist as part of a hospital polio team is emphasized(5).
Access content
To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.- Personal login
- Institutional Login
- Sign in via OpenAthens
- Register for access
-
Please login/register if you wish to pair your device and check access availability.
Not a subscriber?
PsychiatryOnline subscription options offer access to the DSM-5 library, books, journals, CME, and patient resources. This all-in-one virtual library provides psychiatrists and mental health professionals with key resources for diagnosis, treatment, research, and professional development.
Need more help? PsychiatryOnline Customer Service may be reached by emailing [email protected] or by calling 800-368-5777 (in the U.S.) or 703-907-7322 (outside the U.S.).