William Williams (2511)

Admission Details for Patient: William Williams (2511)

Gender: Male Age: 32
Marital Status: Married Religion: Calvinist Methodist
Occupation: Merchant seaman
Address: Carnarvon, Carnarvonshire

Date of Admission: November 17, 1875
Date of Death: February 14, 1877
Cause of Death: Dementia with debility

Disease: Acute Mania
Supposed Cause: Great anxiety about examination/ 'probably drink'

Medical Certificate:
Incoherence of speech and delusions that the parish gravedigger follows him and wants to bury him alive. At times very excitable and restless. From his wife: At night very excited, and when he wakes fancies himself on board the ship, which he says is on fire and attempts to make his escape by jumping over the banisters.

Approximate duration of present attack: 7 weeks

Number of Previous Attacks: 0

Number of Previous Admissions: 0

Number of Subsequent Admissions: 0

Total Number of Admissions: 1

Relatives affected:

Epileptic: No

Suicidal: Yes, threatened often to drown himself

Dangerous: Yes, struck his wife

Clean Habit:

Food Refusal: No

Sleep Habit: None scarcely for 7 weeks

Destructive Habit: No but takes his clothes off constantly

Disposition: eetotaller (but see 'additional notes'

Education: Fair

Physical/Mental State at Examination: Health good. Naevus over right side of face. Was at sea, went away 3 days before he returned to his wife 7 weeks ago and was then in condition much like his present one. He intended soon to go before the Examiners for Chief Mate Certificate".

Current Diagnosis: Disorder due to use of alcohol (F10)

Case Notes

At first was frightened at the sight of any one and with great difficulty was persuaded to take food.

Now takes it easily but still can not enter into any conversation. 1876 Jan 13 - There is no improvement, in fact he is becoming more stupid, he will do nothing for himself and shows loss of memory about the most simple matters.

Jan 28 - No improvement and he seems to have got into quite an idiotic state. Feb 12 - If anything rather more intelligent though he still continues very vacant and stupid. Unable to answer questions or to dress himself. His habits are however clean. Mar 1 - In a helpless imbecile state. Has no idea of doing anything for himself. Even so far as to go to his meals he has to be led to the table.

His wife came to see him a short time back and he just recognised her and that was all.

April to November 1876 – No improvement.

1877 Jan - Gradually becoming weaker.

Feb 8 - Has been in bed the last few weeks, gradually failing, very wet and dirty. Feb 14 - Died this morning.

Medications/Treatments:

Additional Notes

The patient’s ‘disposition’ is recorded as 'teetotaller' but the Relieving Officer gave 'probably drink' as an exciting cause of William Williams’ insanity.