The Daily Dispatch: April 4, 1863., [Electronic resource]

---

---

The effect of war on Insanity.

--The annual report of the New York Lunatic Asylum, (says the Herald ) just published, discloses some curious and instructive facts in connection with the war. --The resident physician is of opinion that the rebellion has not increased the number of admissions. On the contrary, there is a very important reason why the war should at first diminish the number.--Many of the ordinary inmates of an asylum are only partially issue, and although it would be exceedingly difficult for them to obtain employment in the city, this class of persons can readily find positions in the army. Conversing possibly on most subjects,' as soldiers their mental defects are not quickly discovered, while in the city their immediate intercourse with their employers soon discloses their true condition. Nor has the war given any peculiar character to the delusions of those admitted. This results principally from the seat of war being so far distant, and the number so small that have returned home. Our authorities universally agree that any general commotion in the public mind gives to the delusions of the insane a peculiarity which marks the nature and character of the great excitement. Unquestionably at the end of the war the number of insane in the city will be considerably increased, with a full representation of quasi Generals, Governors, and Presidents. Several patients admitted the past year were discharged soldiers; but from a careful examination the opinion was formed that all were insane previous to enlistment.