Clinical Studies on so-called Phobic Cases to Hansen's Disease

Abstract

Thirty three cases with so-called phobic reaction to Hansen's disease were studied.They were divided into three groups by the following points ; what, how and way to be complained of, etc.
(1) The cases of group I (12 cases) showed a transitory anxiety to become ill, but they well understand the results of medical examinations. In these cases may the items concerned with Hansen's disease in their life history be found. The appearance of anxiety in their mind may be related with three factors, such as patient's character, life history and something like inducement. They used to consult us only once or twice.
(2) In the cases of group II (16 cases), their anxieties were stronger and more lasting than those in group I. Their chief complaints are within the main complaints of the patients with Hansen's disease although those are often changed during treatment. They may be often diagnosed and be treated as neurosis (true phobic reaction to Hansen's disease) or masked depression.
(3) There is one group of cases (5 cases) who complain of peculiar and strange complaints such as delusion of ozochrotia, acoasma, dysmorphophobia etc., including usual appeals. One of these cases is under treatment in other university hospital as a schizophrenia. Their phobic state differs from that of true phobic reaction in the point of the severity of captive conditions ; the former is very mild in nosophobic point. These cases are in group III.
(4) Many cases in group II and all cases in group III must consult psychiatrists and must be treated with help of them although all cases in group I and some cases in group II may be seen by us with medical examinations or supportive psychotherapy.
(5) The thema of this phobic reaction, Hansen's disease was discussed especially on the socio-familiar problems in Japan.