Mania

Case by Erastus C. Case, MD

A gentle, modest, auburn haired woman of forty-four years has suffered from cerebro-spinal menningitis, to which Gelsemium seemed specific. The fever and pains have been gone for a week, leaving her in a pitiful shameless erotic mania, during which she has been almost sleepless and growing steadily more violent in behavior. Her gestures and language should not be described.

  • She talks constantly; sings, prays, curses.
  • If opposed she screams, strikes, bites, throws things.
  • Holds liquids in her mouth, then squirts them over her attendants.
  • Tears off all clothing, uncovers.
  • Thinks Jesus has pardoned her of all sins; that she is pure and must not be touched by anyone.
  • Poses as a statue and wishes all to view her heavenly beauty.
  • Eyes staring, with dilated pupils, and can not bear light.
  • The excretions are passed unnoticed.

May 6, 1863 She received in the evening Stramonium CM Fincke, one powder.

May 7, an aggravation followed the remedy, a sleepless night, and she is so violent that she would be placed in the insane asylum if there were a vacant room.

May 8, she began to sleep in the evening and rested well through the night. This morning she called for clean clothes, and complained because her bed was not properly made.

She remained rational thereafter and recovered quickly.

HSI Staff

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Barbara Seideneck

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. Anyone who keeps learning is young.

Henry Ford