Narco-Analysis: A New Technique in Short-Cut Psychotherapy: A Comparison with Other Methods: And Notes on the Barbiturates
Abstract
This little book summarizes the author's experience with barbiturates as aids in the production of hypnosis. He contends that narcotic hypnosis resembles ordinary hypnosis in all essential respects. A chapter on the chemistry of the barbiturates is included. The author recounts his experiences with narcoanalysis in a mental hospital and in outpatient clinics. A few cases of war neurosis, simulation and malingering are discussed. The book thoroughly considers the technic of therapy with intravenous sodium pentothal and amytal. The theoretical chapters indicate that the author rightfully uses the treatment only as the first step and follows it with other psychotherapy and assistance to the patient in reconstructing his outlook on life. It is unfortunate that the author delayed writing this book concerning his early experience with narcoanalysis. It would have been invaluable to American military psychiatrists in their early therapeutic trials. However, the work is still up to date and...