A history of insulin coma therapy in Australia

Authors

Robert M. Kaplan, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

81857

Publication Details

Kaplan, R. M. (2013). A history of insulin coma therapy in Australia. Australasian Psychiatry, 21 (6), 587-591.

Abstract

Objective: To explore the history of insulin coma therapy (ICT) in Australia. Conclusions: The negative period between the wars came to an end with the discovery of the biological therapies, including ICT, a development of great interest to Australian psychiatrists. Melbourne psychiatrist Reg Ellery documented his use of ICT in 1937, but the evidence shows that he was beaten to it by Farran-Ridge and Reynolds at Mont Park. ICT was soon used at various centres, but phased out by the late fifties. A review follows of its use in Australia and a discussion of the issues involved. Doing ICT played a part in enhancing the professional status of Australian psychiatrists and was one of the factors that led to the establishment of the AAP in 1946.