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In an attempt to refine the technique of induction psychiatric examinations, the author relates his experiences in the psychiatric wards of an Army General Hospital. He classifies the cases into the following four groups:
1Neuropsychiatric disorders established before induction.
2Potential psychiatric casualties. Here he places potential psychotics, adjusting well in a sheltered environment; potential and actual neurotics adjusted in civilian life; the unstable, the alcoholic, and the psychopaths including the malingerer. All these should be rigidly excluded.
3Apparently well-adjusted individuals who break under battle strain. He raises the question as to whether there may not be an organic injury at the basis of the symptoms of the many casualties who fall into this group. No suggestions are offered regarding the investigation of personality factors involved.
4Patients with psychosomatic problems. The author points out that a careful psychiatric study should be made—for treatment and subsequent service—before a man of this group is drafted. All too often correction of a minor defect exposes a personality quite inadequate to meet the problems of military life.