On suicidal impulse.

  • Christie, James, 1829-1892.
Date:
1864
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: On suicidal impulse. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    tliat binds to life is severed by the supposed voice of the Deity commanding suicide. But if, in addition to the presence oi hallucinations, a delusion of such a nature as to produce a depress- ing effect on the mind be entertained, the danger from suicide will be greatly increased. I do not refer to those delusions, if they may be so called, which obviously depend upon the morbid state of the emotions, but to such as may exist independently of such states. Such delusions, however,may precede and have some connection with the origin of the morbid states. The belief that the person himself is not a human being but an inferior animal, an evil spirit, or the devil, in combination with the existence of such hallucinations, gives rise to such impulses. Even apart from the command, suicide is regarded as a duty, and the deter- mination to accomplish it is rather strengthened than weakened by the obstacles which are presented. One insane person, when interrogated and reasoned with regarding great depression and suicidal attempts, may say, “I am the devil, and I ought to be in hell: ” another, “I am an evil spirit; I have intruded into heaven, and I cannot get back unless I kill myself: ” another, u c Without shedding of blood there is no remission of sin; ’ I must shed my blood to save my children : ” and another, “I am such an object as was never before seen; my flesh is rotten and dropping from my bones; take me out and shoot me.” Such illustrations could be multiplied indefinitely, but those which have been quoted may suffice to indicate the class of delusions to which reference is made. When the morbid state of the emotions is clearly ascertained, and when the hallucinations and delusions are known, then we are forewarned, and all the necessary precautions can be taken; but when these different symptoms appear simultaneously in the early stage of the malady, before the existence of insanity is manifestly established, then the dangers are greatly increased. The patient may be perfectly coherent, capable of sustaining ordinary or even intellectual conversation, and may be cheerful in manner. All the duties of life may be performed in the usual way, and any change in demeanour may be detected by those only who were previously on terms of great intimacy. The individual himself may be aware that there is something wrong, which he cannot account for—a feeling of unhappiness without a cause; restlessness and desire for change without an object; strange thoughts springing up in the mind, and impulses arising which admit of no control. At the first stage there may be sufficient power to disguise the mental state, and to assume a cheerful aspect, and thus to appear to be in the full possession of reason. If vivid hallucinations appear at this early stage, when the patient stands on the boundary line between sanity and insanity, then