The Carbon County news. [volume] (Red Lodge, Mont.) 1924-1931, 1926-10-14


exhibit itself during childhood in sixty
different symptoms and signs. Not all
are observable in each individual case,
b. sufficient of them to indicate
s. arslz a4pa red nervous mechanism.
Symptoms of Nervousness
Inc first signs, in infants, are sensi-
tiveness to light and sound, fretful-
ness, thumb sucking, head rolling,
thigh rubbing, digestive disorders, too
early or late teething and closing of
the soft spot, spasms.
Next in order appear the symptoms
in young children-loss of or finieky
appetite, constipation alternating with
diarrhea, bed-wetting, night terrors,
muscular twitching, stammering, lisp
ing, restlessness, irritability obstancy,
fears of various kinds, timidity, emo
tionalism.
If allowed to go uncorrected these
symptoms become aggravated at the
age of puberty, and the child now ex-
hibits various alterations: he is highly
self-conscious; he has an insane ten
dency to do the opposite of what is
requested of him; he holds one attitude
for long time or constantly repeats
meaningless gestures.
These children also present certain
physical deviations from the normal,
such as symmetry of the head and
face, impairment of vision, adenoids
and enlarged tonsils.
Treatment of Nervousness
The first requisite in the treatment
of the nervous child is change of en-
vironment. 1t is generally next to i'm
possible to reconstruct the child phys
ically and mentally in his own home
surroundings. On the cnotrary, it is
surprising how completely changed
such child becomes after a few
weeks sojourn amid unfamiliar scenes
and among strange faces. When such
a change cannot be carried out home
conditions must be modified according
to the requirements of the case.
The nervous child should be placed
under the care of a physician, whose
directions should be implicitly obeyed.
There is no temporizing with these
cases-only the most rigid regime can
bring desired results. Rest, super
vision of studies, sufficient sleep, fresh
air, controlled exercise, regulation of
the diet are essentials in the treat
ment.
Of these, the last named is the most
important. Nervousness is often as
much deficiency disease as are rick
cts and scurvy. And mainutrition is
as prevalent among the rich as in the
homes of the poor. The child's diet
may contain a sufficient number of
heat units but it consists of prepon-
derance of starchy foods that makes is
unsuitable. These children appear fat
and healthy but they melt away like
wax after a few days illness. Such
children should therefore receive
wholesome foods, the kind that replace
tissue waste, promote growth and af-
ford a reserve for unusual drains.
The pyschic phase needs as much
attention as the physical. Oft times
the child's sensitivity is disposed of by
paying no attention to his morbid
manifestations. Sometimes it is nee
essary to deprive him of everything
connected with his emotional complex,
such as toys, books, surroundings and
associates. Again, such children are
often benefited by playing with
healthy, robust youngsters through
which their mind is diverted from their
"A own PHYSICAL condition and directed into
normal channels. A system of punish
ment and rewards also works wonders
in many instances.