Studies on the Influence of Emotions on the Functions of the Organs

Abstract

The research described in the following monograph is the result of seven years' work. In 1926 I attempted to introduce psychological methods of treatment into the out-patient department of the First Medical Clinic of the Charité, Berlin. It soon became evident that there was a widespread demand for the application of such methods within the field of the medical clinic. In the course of years, hundreds of patients with psychoneuroses linked to organs passed through our hands. A selection of specially instructive cases is given below. Our researches were performed on patients and collaborators who readily placed themselves at our disposal for our experiments. In grateful remembrance I wish to thank my esteemed former chief, the late Geh. Med.-Rat Prof. Dr. W. His, for the interest he took in my line of work and for the support he extended to it. My work in Germany came to a sudden end in March, 1933, but thanks to the kindness of Dr. F. L. Golla I was able to continue my studies at the Central Pathological Laboratory, London. Furthermore, I owe special thanks to the Professional Committee which, by the grant of a scholarship, enabled me to continue and complete this work.

Relationship between Acute and Chronic Fear and the Gastric Acidity and Blood Sugar Levels in Macaca mulatta Monkeys

“…There remain the negative results of Floyer and Jennings (17), the variable results of Witrkower (44), and the positive results of Bennett and Venables (6). Floyer and Jennings investigated the fractional test meal response of students while they were awaiting the announcement of results of their M.B.…”

Hypnosis and Experimental Psychopathology

“…Changes in gastric and duodenal secretion have followed the induction of emotional states (Luckhardt and Johnson, 1924;Wittkower, 1929 ;Wittkower, 1935 ;Tyulenev, 1936 ;and Blazevic, 1955). Others have studied the effect of a suggested fictitious meal on gastric contractions (Kharmandaryas, et al, 1933 ;Scantlebury, 1940 ;Scantlebury and Patterson, 1941;Lewis and Sarbin, 1943).…”

Da Costa's Syndrome: Aetiology. Lecture III

“…Slight leucocytosis (Grace Briscoe, 1917;Swan, 1921) no more favours a toxic focus than it does emotional stimulation (Menkin, 1928-quoted by Cannon, 1929Wittkower, 1935).. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is almost invariably normal (personal observation).…”