Narcosis and oxidations of the brain

Abstract

A form of therapy frequently used in the treatment of mental disorder which, in spite of its dangers, merits further study and investigation, is that of prolonged narcosis. A period of 12 to 14 days is not uncommonly used and there is no question but that, in many cases, psychotic symptoms are alleviated or their development checked. An adequate explanation of this phenomenon is still wanting, and it is evident that a knowledge of the mechanism of narcosis itself is necessary for a full comprehension of the logical basis of narcotic treatment in mental disease. In spite of the immense amount of research which has been carried out on narcotics and anaesthetics there is no clear evidence yet as to what physiological or metabolic disturbances occur which result in narcosis. No attempt will be made here to deal with the extensive literature which has accumulated and which has been admirably summarised by Winterstein (1926) and Henderson (1930). There must still be agreement with Cushny (1924) who says “ after the narcotics have penetrated into the brain cell, the effects depend on some further quality which is still unknown.”