Psychogalvanometric Investigations in Psychoses and Other Abnormal Mental States*

Abstract

One hundred psychotic patients were examined by means of an ink recording psychogalvanometer. The psychogalvanometric reactions (PGR) are significantly different from those of a normal contrast group. Improvement in mental condition, whether spontaneous or due to treatment, is correspondingly reflected in a more normal PGR. Under certain conditions this technique reliably indicates whether the patient is covering up hallucinations or delusions. The results of the investigation point to the value of this technique as an auxiliary in clinical diagnosis. The findings should caution the criminologist in the use of the psychogalvanometer on criminal suspects who may be psychotic or borderline cases.