[Illustration]
An instance of a family of insane dependents illustrates the
operation of stress and strain to render a psychopathic family
helpless and make it dependent upon the State. This family
consists of an inebriate father who married a normal woman with
two insane brothers. The father has an insane brother. From
this union sprang three children, all of whom have been insane
from time to time, and who alternated in residence at a State
hospital as committed insane patients, joined at intervals by
their uncles, and once by their father. The superintendent of
the hospital retained the father in custody until he could put
him in good condition, mentally, morally and physically, and
discharged him in such form that for the first time in the
recollection of the family he has been sober, industrious and
kind. He has paid off a mortgage on the farm and is putting
money in the bank. The conditions of this family are shown in
above chart.
The two sons are working and there is an atmosphere of peace
and happiness in the home. Two uncles remained under care,
but all the members of one household are out of the hospital.
If a wise hospital superintendent can solve such a difficult
problem, the result can be duplicated in many instances by
field physicians working in consonance with after-care people.
Actual prophylactic work will be impossible under close medical
and lay organization, and definite results be reached. The
discharged patient will return to fewer difficulties. The
improved environment will produce fewer patients.--ALBERT W.
FERRIS.
(1630)