War Neuroses: Netley Hospital
This video portrays the detrimental effects on traumatised soldiers’ minds who fought in World War I. These effects are often described as shell shock, a mental illness that affects soldiers making them extremely nervous or confused.
We observe some patients and their behaviour before and after treatment at Seale Hayne Military Hospital, Netley in 1918.
The first example shows a 23 year-old man dating back to February 1916 with complete retro-grade amnesia, hysterical paralysis, contractures, mutism (the inability to speak, result of deafness or brain damage) and universal anesthesia (insensitivity to pain). In November 1917 his memory suddenly recovered and his body was able to function again. He was able to return to his basket-making job in June 1918. After two and a half years he completely recovered. The second example shows a particular response of amnesia, word blindness and deafness except for the word ‘bombs’.
Another example demonstrates the different facial spasm. Under hypnosis movements slowly ceased.
The effect of lateral tremor on the head was treated by relaxation and passive movements. The forceful, rapid movement help reduce the constant shaking of the head, as seen through before and after films.
Hysterical gait, swaying movement and continuous nose wiping were results of being buried by a shell. The symptoms persisted until he was admitted to Netley hospital where he underwent treatment. A month later, he was able to work at a farm and feed chickens. 
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