Classics in ECT: ECT Following Multiple Fractures, Case Report in The American Journal of Psychiatry, 1950

 "Classics in ECT" brings you this case report from The American Journal of Psychiatry, from 1950:

Electroconvulsive therapy following multiple fractures.

COHEN LA.Am J Psychiatry. 1950 Nov;107(5):381. doi: 10.1176/ajp.107.5.381.PMID: 14783216
The pdf is here.
And the case report is here:




This a wonderful, short case report: the clinical story is compelling (including a near-lethal suicide attempt by jumping), the misdiagnosis followed by correct diagnosis is instructive, the early use of curare (Intocostrin was "a biologically standardized form of curare") is an unexpected bonus, and the outcome is gratifying.
But wait, there's more!
Look what followed Dr. Cohen's letter in that November issue of the Green Journal:


But it is not about ECT, so it won't get "Classics in ECT" status...

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