Narcosynthesis
Narcosynthesis
Narcosynthesis (/nɑːrkoʊˈsɪnθɪsɪs/), also known as narcoanalysis, is a psychotherapeutic technique that utilizes psychoactive drugs, particularly barbiturates, to induce a trance-like state in a patient with the aim of exploring their subconscious mind. The term is derived from the Greek words 'narkō' meaning 'to numb' and 'synthesis' meaning 'putting together'.
History
The technique of narcosynthesis was first introduced in the 1930s by the American psychiatrist William Sargant and his colleagues at the Bellevue Hospital in New York City. It was initially used as a treatment for shell shock (now known as post-traumatic stress disorder) in soldiers returning from World War II.
Procedure
During a session of narcosynthesis, the patient is administered a dose of a barbiturate drug, usually sodium amytal or sodium pentothal. These drugs induce a state of relaxation and lowered inhibitions, which allows the patient to talk freely about their thoughts and feelings. The therapist then guides the patient through a series of questions and prompts, aimed at uncovering repressed memories or unresolved emotional issues.
Applications and Effectiveness
Narcosynthesis has been used in the treatment of a variety of psychological disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, and depression. However, its effectiveness is a subject of ongoing debate within the medical community. Some studies have suggested that it can be an effective tool in the treatment of severe trauma, while others have raised concerns about the potential for false memories to be created during the process.
See Also
References
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Narcosynthesis
- Wikipedia's article - Narcosynthesis
This WikiMD article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski