THE EFFECT OF EMOTION ON BASAL METABOLISM

Abstract

The results obtained by two of us (Strouse and Binswanger)¹ from the therapeutic use of iodine in the treatment of patients for symptoms of the complex resembling hyperthyroidism without increased metabolism suggested the study of the relation between the nervous symptoms, metabolism and the use of iodine in hyperthyroidism.² To put this idea to experimental test involved a procedure which attempted to change the emotional state of a person and then to study the effect of such emotion on the metabolism. We believed that for our purpose in a general hospital, a simple procedure applicable to all classes of patients would give results of comparative value. Of course, we realized the improbability of evolving any standard test when dealing with emotion or of obtaining any constant emotional reaction to a given psychic stimulus. To this end we decided to study in operative cases the effect of the knowledge of an