PREVENTION OF INSANITY

Hokitika Guardian, 9 May 1923, Page 4

PREVENTION OF INSANITY

STATE METHODS TO PROMOTE HEALTH. AUCKLAND, May 2. Hie important feature in connexion with treatment, and more particularly the prevention of insanity, was mentioned yesterday by the Hon. C. J. Parr, Minister in Charge of Mental Hospitals, in reply to a deputation which had discussed the question of “border-line” eases. It was probable that what, was really concerning the members of the deputation ancl others ulio were anxious about the reduction of the insanity rate in New Zealand said Mr Parr, was the question of proinsanity in .patients. Personally, lie had a great deal cf sympathy with any desire there might he to have conditions which lead up to insanity anticipated by an accurate diagnosis of the symptoms, which might be due to toxic infection, either from the teeth, tonsils, intestines, etc. Mr Pair said he thought that in New Zealand, upon the whole, persons who had actually lost their mental balance were catered for fairly well, but lie believed that the concern expressed recently wns for a stage before that of insanity. There were two observations to be made on this hitter important aspect: First, alienists and medi.-il men generally agreed that the eontlitii.tis of pre-insanity were most difiiult to detect. ‘ diagiio.-e; secondly. ~o far as he was aware, no systematic attempt had been made by any State to undertake this work. “Largely it is a matter of presetting the general health of the population,” . continued the Minister. “Note Zealand is beginning where it ought to begin, with the instruction of expectant mothers. I’re-natul clinics are being established (and I hope to increase them!, where sound advice and counsel, and necessary operative help, can tic obtained. Then the standard of midwifery is being raised every year, so as to bring midwifery into conformity with modem views of aseptic seinin'. Then follows a period at school, when the school doctor, nurse and dentist all give their attention to the iliild. and when the child reaches adolescence, it is hoped, by medium of sound, scientific counsel from men like Dr. Trilby King, and women like his coadjutor. Miss Paterson, to materially inti nonce the health of the young adult.”