The use of thiopentone in the treatment of non-organic locomotor disorders

Abstract

Eleven patients who had been fully investigated and diagnosed by orthopaedic surgeons as suffering from non-organic locomotor disorders were assessed and treated by a psychiatrist (AW) using a technique involving one or more injections of thiopentone sodium. The patients had been ill for an average of 3.4 yr (3 mths to 10 yr) and suffered severe disablement. Injections of short-acting barbituates have been used for many years to facilitate the release and discussion of repressed feelings and emotions (narcoanalysis). This paper describes the use of a similar injection but given to facilitate the movement and return to normality of muscles whose function is deranged. The authors suggest that this technique be called ‘narcokinesis’. All eleven patients showed initial improvement with seven patients showing moderate or marked benefit from the treatment at the time of discharge from hospital. A detailed case study is described of the advantages of narcokinesis and possible mode of action discussed. The general practitioner of these patients were sent a questionnaire by post and all replied. At the time of follow-up (6–9 yr) the whereabouts of three patients were unknown, three had died, two remained ill and three patients remained well or moderately well.