The Use of Ether in the Narcoanalysis of Patients with War Neuroses

Abstract

THIS report deals with the technic and utility of ether in the treatment of war neuroses. Comparing ether to Pentothal, as used by Grinker and Spiegel,¹ Sargant and Shorvon² and Kelley³ found the former more effective for ventilating repressed emotions in acute war neuroses. That ether is useful in psychotherapy for other reasons is suggested by Sargant and Shorvon and also by Rogerson⁴ in his account of nitrous oxide narco-analysis of civilian patients with acute and chronic anxiety. Between January and May, 1945, ether was used at the 5th General Hospital in France in the psychotherapy of 100 neuropsychiatrie patients. . . .