On the Early Phases of Mental Disorder, and their Treatment

Extract

To recognise disorder of the mind in its early phases, places it within our reach at the most opportune season for checking or arresting its progress. The first signs of alienation, if duly appreciated, should afford warnings to have recourse, without delay, to the means of cutting it short. The consequences of overlooking or neglecting these timely indications may soon become irreparable. With what thankfulness do we not hail prevention in malignant or infectious maladies; with equal eagerness ought we not also to be on the watch for, and ready to avail ourselves of, means of staying the approach of symptoms that may apparently be less urgent or less obvious, but which are nevertheless certain indications of an affliction which may blight the hopes of a whole life, bringing with it unhappiness and misery incalculable.