Category
Oral - Textual or Investigative
Description
This paper looks at the evolution of the British understanding of a new Psycho-neurological condition assigned the common name of ‘Shell Shock.’ I argue that the understanding of Shell Shock within the United Kingdom underwent a gradual evolution due to influences from both the British military and medical personnel. Conditions similar to Shell Shock have been observed throughout history, with the first modern interpretation appearing shortly after the American Civil War. Despite this, medical practitioners within the United Kingdom held onto their older interpretations of psychological medicine. Thus, Shell Shock came as a surprise to those who first witnessed it. Over time, an understanding of Shell Shock developed. Medical personnel emphasized treating the condition, initially utilizing methods that followed the older understanding of treating psychological conditions while using newer methods as the war progressed. The British military focused instead on maintaining a cohesive fighting force to combat the Central Powers, exerting control over the doctors. As the war progressed, more options for treating Shell Shock steadily became utilized, some seeing greater success than others. Despite the massive quantity of individuals suffering from the condition by the war’s conclusion and associated studies and findings, the United Kingdom ultimately regressed in their view of Shell Shock, implementing policies that followed the British military’s mindset as opposed to those of the medical personnel. Failing to regard the condition as a justifiable malignancy, Shell Shock set the foundation for future examinations into the psychological effects of war on soldiers.
Shifting of the Nerves: The Evolution of Shell Shock and its Treatment in the United Kingdom
Oral - Textual or Investigative
This paper looks at the evolution of the British understanding of a new Psycho-neurological condition assigned the common name of ‘Shell Shock.’ I argue that the understanding of Shell Shock within the United Kingdom underwent a gradual evolution due to influences from both the British military and medical personnel. Conditions similar to Shell Shock have been observed throughout history, with the first modern interpretation appearing shortly after the American Civil War. Despite this, medical practitioners within the United Kingdom held onto their older interpretations of psychological medicine. Thus, Shell Shock came as a surprise to those who first witnessed it. Over time, an understanding of Shell Shock developed. Medical personnel emphasized treating the condition, initially utilizing methods that followed the older understanding of treating psychological conditions while using newer methods as the war progressed. The British military focused instead on maintaining a cohesive fighting force to combat the Central Powers, exerting control over the doctors. As the war progressed, more options for treating Shell Shock steadily became utilized, some seeing greater success than others. Despite the massive quantity of individuals suffering from the condition by the war’s conclusion and associated studies and findings, the United Kingdom ultimately regressed in their view of Shell Shock, implementing policies that followed the British military’s mindset as opposed to those of the medical personnel. Failing to regard the condition as a justifiable malignancy, Shell Shock set the foundation for future examinations into the psychological effects of war on soldiers.
Comments
Graduate