Dr William Saunders Hallaran and psychiatric practice in nineteenth-century Ireland

Kelly, Brendan D.

doi:10.1007/s11845-007-0046-6

Cited by 14 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 21 publications

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“…These findings together with the recent results of our experiments on a hexapod motion-simulator led us to the idea of the “original spin doctors” (2, 4) and to explore if a vestibular stimulation may induce alterations of mood states. Healthy volunteers underwent a controlled moderate stimulation paradigm on the worldwide unique 3-D-turntable at the University Clinic in Zurich.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 79%

“…However, aversive side effects like “vertigo, attended by pallor, nausea, and vomiting; and frequently by the evacuation of the contents of the bladder” were common [(1), p. 106]. Critical retrospective reports about the application of the Cox’s chair in the beginning of the eighteenth century also document abusive applications in psychiatric patients for induction of behavioral change (3, 4). Apart from that Cox’s chair may have influenced investigations on vertigo, the construction of the Bárány chair for clinical assessment of vestibular function as well as funfair rides (3, 5).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Cox’s Chair Revisited: Can Spinning Alter Mood States?

Winter¹,

Wollmer²,

Laurens³

et al. 2013

Front. Psychiatry

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Although there is clinical and historical evidence for a vivid relation between the vestibular and emotional systems, the neuroscientific underpinnings are poorly understood. The “spin doctors” of the nineteenth century used spinning chairs (e.g., Cox’s chair) to treat conditions of mania or elevated arousal. On the basis of a recent study on a hexapod motion-simulator, in this prototypic investigation we explore the impact of yaw stimulation on a spinning chair on mood states. Using a controlled experimental stimulation paradigm on a unique 3-D-turntable at the University of Zurich we included 11 healthy subjects and assessed parameters of mood states and autonomic nervous system activity. The Multidimensional Mood State Questionnaire and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) were used to assess changes of mood in response to a 100 s yaw stimulation. In addition heart rate was continuously monitored during the experiment. Subjects indicated feeling less “good,” “relaxed,” “comfortable,” and “calm” and reported an increased alertness after vestibular stimulation. However, there were no objective adverse effects of the stimulation. Accordingly, heart rate did not significantly differ in response to the stimulation. This is the first study in a highly controlled setting using the historical approach of stimulating the vestibular system to impact mood states. It demonstrates a specific interaction between the vestibular system and mood states and thereby supports recent experimental findings with a different stimulation technique. These results may inspire future research on the clinical potential of this method.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 79%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cox’s Chair Revisited: Can Spinning Alter Mood States?

Winter¹,

Wollmer²,

Laurens³

et al. 2013

Front. Psychiatry

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“…This again is comparable to situations in daily life where accelerations and decelerations (such as running, driving cars, stop, and go traffic) require a high degree of attention and physical preparedness, whereas rotational stimulations are mostly found in pleasurable situations. Early observations in the nineteenth century by Erasmus Darwin, Joseph Mason Cox, and William Hallaran support this notion by stating that rotational stimulation on the so-called Cox’s chair or Hallaran’s swing was enjoyed by some of their patients and has been used as mode of amusement (reviewed by Kelly, 2008; Breathnach, 2010). …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…There are anecdotal reports that patients used the device voluntarily to attain positive effects on mood by repeated application. In demented patients, swinging has been suggested as an intervention to improve relaxation and emotional well-being (Snyder et al, 2001; Wade, 2005; Kelly, 2008; Breathnach, 2010). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vestibular Stimulation on a Motion-Simulator Impacts on Mood States

Winter¹,

Krüger²,

Laurens³

et al. 2012

Front. Psychology

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We are familiar with both pleasant and unpleasant psychotropic effects of movements associated with vestibular stimulation. However, there has been no attempt to scientifically explore the impact of different kinds of vestibular stimulation on mood states and biomarkers. A sample of 23 healthy volunteers were subjected to a random sequence of three different passive rotational (yaw, pitch, roll) and translational (heave, sway, surge) vestibular stimulation paradigms using a motion-simulator (hexapod). Mood states were measured by means of questionnaires and visual analog scales. In addition, saliva cortisol and α-amylase samples were taken. Compared to a subliminal control paradigm all rotational and two translational stimulations produced significant changes in mood states: Yaw rotation was associated with feeling more comfortable, pitch rotation with feeling more alert and energetic, and roll rotation with feeling less comfortable. Heave translation was associated with feeling more alert, less relaxed, and less comfortable and surge translation with feeling more alert. Biomarkers were not affected. In conclusion, we provide first experimental evidence that passive rotational and translational movements may influence mood states on a short-term basis and that the quality of these psychotropic effects may depend on the plane and axis of the respective movements.

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“…The first systematic study of the psychiatric implications of syphilis in nineteenth-century Ireland was performed by Dr William Saunders Hallaran, a pioneering psychiatrist in Cork [9], and published in the second edition of his celebrated textbook, Practical Observations on the Causes and Cures of Insanity [1,10]. Dr Hallaran attempted to identify the causes of insanity in 1,431 individuals admitted to Cork Lunatic Asylum between 1798 and 1818.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%