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Stupor: a conceptual history

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

G. E. Berrios
G. E. Berrios*
Affiliation:
From Ribinson College, Cambridge
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr G. E. Berrios, Robinson College, Cambridge.
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Synopsis

The concept of ‘stupor’ is subjected to historical analysis. Particular attention is given to the nineteenth-century, during which three evolutionary stages are identified. During the first stage stupor is considered as a simple state of non-responsiveness. The second stage recognizes that some stupors are accompanied by rich subjective experiences and separates them as ‘psychiatric stupors’. During the third stage some of its symptoms are reinterpreted as resulting from an interaction between patient and environment. A number of historical sources are reviewed in an attempt to illustrate the evolution of the concept and its association with cognate behavioural states.

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Research Article
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Psychological Medicine , Volume 11 , Issue 4 , November 1981, pp. 677 - 688
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1981

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References

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