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mended for admission to the mental hospital, and the results
achieved on the whole have been both satisfactory and encouraging.
No fewer than 215 therapeutic interviews were given
during the year. In the case of neurotic patients, it was the
objective to re-adjust the sufferer, to a healthy outlook on life
by simple psychological analysis, persuasion, suggestion and reeducation.
Deep mental exploration was not feasible having
regard to the time available and the number of patients.
Most gratifying have been the results obtained in the treatment
of children who have exhibited certain behaviour problems.
In all, there were referred to the Clinic some sixteen children
who exhibited such symptoms as temper tantrums, night-terrors,
bed-wetting, stammering, stealing, "nerves" abnormal fears,
and backwardness at school. These difficult children were a
source of great anxiety to their parents and teachers. Unhappy
and out of harmony with their environment, they were potential
neurotics and delinquents. Considerable success has attended the
treatment of these problem children, and in this respect, the
Clinic has proved its worth in the promotion of mental hygiene.
In a number of cases, the co-operation of the London Child
Guidance Clinic was sought in obtaining estimations of intelligence
and reports of social conditions, and to Dr. William Moodie, the
Medical Director, an expression of thanks and appreciation is
accorded. It is hoped and anticipated that this aspect of clinic
activity will continue to develop. Prevention of mental ill-health
in childhood is the best and most rational method of preventing
mental disease in adult life.
Attention is directed to the interesting fact that twenty cases
of the more serious forms of mental disease (the psychoses)
were investigated at the Clinic. A number of these were in the
comparative early stages of the disease and were possessed of
sufficient insight to desire treatment. Actually, twelve were
recommended and admitted as Voluntary Patients to the mental
hospital and of these eight have been discharged recovered during
the year. In this way, the Clinic has facilitated the operation of
the Mental Treatment Act. Moreover, in so far as cases of
grave mental disease are detected in their incipient and early
stages, when the patients are co-operative, it may be reasonably
anticipated that their period of treatment in the mental hospital
will be materially diminished.
For their co-operation and help, grateful appreciation is due
to the Medical Officer of Health's Staff, the general practitioners
of West Ham who have utilized the clinic services, and the
medical staff of the Invalid and Cripple Children's Hospital.
Total number of new cases examined in 1934 52.
Total number of Consultations—
therapeutic and diagnostic 265.
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