SHELL-SHOCK CASES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 259, 29 July 1919, Page 4

SHELL-SHOCK CASES

TREATMENT AT HANMEE,

Shell-shock, hysteria, neurasthenia, and other nervous diseases afflicting returned soldiers are being treated at the H'anmer Military Hospital, where the methods of treatment include the "contra-sugges-tions" recommended by Lieutenant-Colonel F. AV.' Motte Many of these troubles are due to emotional shock and are not accompanied by any actual physical injury. The soldier may or may not hava had neuiotic predisposition. In order t<J effect, a cure, the doctors must get the man's attention away from himself and divert his mind from the events that have affected his nerves. Colonel Motte lias used hynotism in such cases with remarkably good re'sults, and there are now in New Zealand medical officers who have studied 'his methods. , ■' Surgeon-General D. J. • M'Gavin, Director-General of Medical Services, told a Dominion reporter that llanmer was a very suitablo place for the treutment of returned soldiers suffering from nervous troubles. The "concentration of these men was essential, since they required expert treatment of a highly specialised kind, and it was not possible for the Medical Department to provide such treatment all over the country. Haniner had a bracing climate, and tho patients wero able to get plenty of openair, exercise, and 6port. fliey used the thermal waters and received other special treatment in various forms. General M'Gavin added that tho number of nerve cases coming b4elc to New Zealand fortunately "was not large, and treatment was proving effective.