Morbid auto-suggestion is an almost insurmountable obstacle, first against the success of hypnotism, and secondly against the fulfilment of curative. But in lunacy, suggestion per se, especially under the influence of tincture of cannabis indica, m. xx.
Mate tea is also of value in large doses.
Hypnosis is most readily obtained in hysterical insanity and in many cases of epileptic insanity. A suggestive hypnotic therapeusis cannot be established as a means of cure in many mental cases, as the greater number are those of dementia praecox and allied conditions. Hypnotic suggestion should always be employed when the insane submit to it of their own accord, for they do derive benefit from it. In cases of melancholia with delirium, cases of fixed ideas, cases of alcoholism, and in slight forms of stupor, suggestion methodically repeated in the waking state, in order to combat the morbid phenomena, may prove effectual. Mesmerism has produced very good results.