6 Comments
User's avatar
Elizabeth A Lipscomb's avatar

Your story had me back at work doing dementia research. I recall an elderly Jewish lady who in her delusional demented state was thrust back into the concentration camp once more. This was so sad because she was so frightened and no one could console her. This was in about 1991 and I believe that the treatment they finally employed was electroshock which I think did benefit her although I'm sure it took what was left of her cognition. Now I guess they would choose something much more humane like ketamine or psilocybin.

Expand full comment
Randy Tibbits's avatar

We can hope that there has been positive progress in treatments. The shock did seem to help at a time when there may not have been effective alternatives. And the state the patients were in seemed to call for almost anything that might help.

Expand full comment
Janet Hood's avatar

This was quite terrifying and tragic, as was the war you avoided. Thanks for sharing

Expand full comment
Randy Tibbits's avatar

Thank you for reading. It's one of those episodes that won't quite let itself be forgotten.

Expand full comment
Karen Lund's avatar

An alarming and haunting description! ! Compelling read.

Expand full comment
Randy Tibbits's avatar

Thank you so much for reading it - and commenting. Now you know a little more what's made me the rock of stability I am today!

Expand full comment