shell shock and its treatment in the first world war

what is shell shock?

• Shell shock or war neurosis is a mental illness causing physical symptoms
• It was also known as post traumatic stress disorder
• The term was first used in 1917 by a doctor called Charles Myers

causes of shell shock

• Initially doctors thought it was caused by exposure to shell bursts
• Extreme bombardment caused the soldier to have concussion
• Doctors started to realise there were deeper causes
• Soliders who hadn't been to the front also suffered symptoms
• Doctors then agreed it was caused by exposure to stressful situations

how victims suffered

• Psychological pain
• Became mute, blind or deaf
• Uncontrollable movements
• Mental breakdown

How it was first treated?

• Solitary confinement
• Disciplinary treatment
• Electric shock treatment
• Shaming and physical re-education
• Emotional deprivation

revolutionary treatments at seale hayne

• This hospital approached things very differently
• The treatments were revolutionary for its time
• The treatments were pioneered by Arthur Hurst

who was arthur hurst?

• Hurst was an army major at Seale Hayne
• He came up with miracle treatments
• He was able to cure 90% of soldiers in one session

Hurst's miracle Cure

• He realised the importance of quiet places
• He took men to the peaceful countryside of Devon
• He encouraged them to use their creative energies
• They were given jobs to do along with therapy sessions

How it changed people's lives

• Men with shell shock were lucky to be sent to Seale Hayne
• Percy Meek was driven mad with shell shock
• He gradually recovered his physical functions and returned to normal
• This is recorded in a film made by Arthur Hurst
• Hurst's work changed the treatment of PTSD and is still used today