SOCIO-ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE SHOCK THERAPIES IN SCHIZOPHRENIA

The shock therapies have provided a portion of relief for the enigmas of schizophrenia. However, socio-economic problems of considerable import have emerged together with the partial successes of this therapy. For one thing, there has been a subtle shift of responsibility for the care of the mentally ill patient from the state to the individual family in many instances. Secondly, the family has been burdened with issues other than the immediate care of the patient, including changes in their living habits. Perhaps the major question which many families have been poorly prepared to meet lies in the responsibility for resumption of treatment at the proper time. Suggestions have been made for a plan designed to meet some of these problems. They embrace psychiatric, social and economic considerations together with a program for mental hygiene.