Inquire about attacks of neuritis, delirium, hallucinatory episodes, suspicions, ideas of jealousy.
Other toxic influences: Drug habits, occupational poisons, lead, arsenic, phosphorus, mercury, etc. Illuminating gas poisoning, nicotine intoxication.
7. Mental Make-up or Type of Personality:
Very important because certain of the non-organic psychoses appear to be a further development of mental traits or tendencies early recognized as personal peculiarities or deviations from the normal. In addition to the points already covered under the preceding headings, the following important types should always be borne in mind and appropriate inquiries made:
Manic make-up: Lively, active, sociable, pushing, talkative, cheerful, optimistic; may be domineering, irritable and inclined to cruelty; sometimes not very efficient, may be noted as changeable, lacking in persistence, concentration and application. May show transient blue spells or lowering of spirits.
Depressive make-up: Gloomy, worrisome, blue natures who feel continuously inhibited or restrained and unable to make decisions; easily discouraged.
Cyclothymic make-up: Emotionally unstable, either up or down, have blue spells or are unduly cheerful and care-free.
Shut-in make-up: Shy, retiring, self-conscious, bashful, quiet, secretive, seclusive and unsociable. Lack of interest in opposite sex or definite aversion; often prudish and over-particular. Unusual religious interest frequent. Inclined to day-dreaming, show fondness for the abstract and mystical. Odd habits, hobbies or cranky pursuits are common.
Paranoid make-up: Mistrustful, suspicious, tend to misunderstand; unduly sensitive, feel discriminated against and have feelings of self-importance. (These traits may be related to shut-in tendencies.)
Other types of make-up include the psychasthenic, neurasthenic and hysterical; also the mentally retarded or undeveloped (feebleminded).