The CIA Doctors

by Colin A. Ross, M. D.

  1950-1954

  604-5-43 Study of Personal and Social Aspects of Retirement and Retirement Adjustment $24,450.00

  1956-1958

  604-5-74 Study of Ultraconceptual Communication $26,228.08

  1959-1963

  604-4-76 A Study of the Effects of Nucleic Acid Upon Memory Impairment in the Aged $18,000.00

  1959-1963

  604-5-432 A Study of Factors Which Promote or Retard Personality Change in Individuals Exposed to Prolonged Repetition of Verbal Signals $57,750.00

  1961-1964

  Total $395,044.41

  Dr. Ewen Cameron’s Notes On Linda Macdonald From The Allan Memorial Institute

  April 1

  When seen a few days ago by Dr. Cameron, this patient showed a very unclear mood. She claimed to be depressed but broke into apparently unmotivated laughter. She showed grimacing in so far that she kept her eyes curiously sealed and flickered them at times. She seemed quite non-logical in her thinking. From this brief interview it would appear that there is a possibility that this patient shows either an hysteria or a pseudoneurotic schizophrenia [an old term for borderline personality disorder]. It does not appear to be a retarded depression.

  We are continuing to work her up, and we are asking that special attention be paid to her early parental home.

  April 22

  The patient said that she occasionally hears a voice talking insider her head. She has difficulty in expressing hostility, and we are encouraging her to do this. The diagnosis is not yet clear; we are still bearing in mind that the psychologists suggest the possibility of underlying schizophrenia. We are carrying on with the present psychotherapeutic approach in order to determine whether this is the case … Recently the patient saw a movie in which the husband and wife started off very happily together. Then the husband had an extramarital affair. The name of the girl in the movie was Linda, just as the patient’s is. The patient became very upset and came out complaining of back pain, but she refused to say that it had any connection with the movie. This is also being explored.

  July 4

  Reviewing the EEG’s we find on March 29, 1963 (her admission EEG) that there was no evidence of focal or cerebral damage or epileptiform activity. Fast background rhythm was noted as being due to medication. On May 28, after she had had 31 Page Russells and was on Largactil mgs 50 q.i.d., the EEG was very irregular, showing generalized slow wave dysrhythmia.

  July 16

  She is quite turbulent. Her speech is very slurred. She shows no definite evidence of delusional ideas. We are starting her on Artane 2t.i.d. today, and this will be raised to Artane 5 t.i.d. in 48 hrs. if she tolerates this well. We are also considering the possibility of raising her sleep medication. In view of the fact that her EEG shows an increase in epileptiform activity, we are going to reduce the ECT to every second day.

  July 23

  She is not incontinent. Her gait is rather lurching. She is not really concerned with dressing herself at the present time. She is able to feed herself. We do recognize that she is gradually coming out. She knows that she is Linda Macdonald. She cannot recognize her own bed and keeps crawling into others.

  September 5

  In working over her case on April 5th 1963, the psychologists felt that the general impression was that of a notable hysterical overlay to an early schizophrenic pathology. Our examinations of her clinically, however, have failed this far to show any evidence of schizophrenia. Due to the dangers of neglecting a possible schizophrenia, we put her through intensive therapy. This is now eventuating in quite a good recovery, though with an indication of mild instability in the last day or so.

  September 12

  She has had a repeat psychological testing. The results, of course, to some extent are influenced by the organic changes produced by the electroshock. Thus far no evidence of a thought disorder can be noted.

  Nursing Notes On Linda Macdonald From The Allan Memorial Insitute

  Nursing notes for March 28 - April 11, and May 29 - August 14, 1963 were not forwarded to Linda Macdonald by the Allen Memorial Institute for an unknown reason. Some of the photocopied handwriting is difficult to read, which I have indicated with square brackets.

  April 14

  When nurse went to wake her up found her crying. Patient stated she felt this coming on for several days and she didn’t know why. She said nothing further. Came out on the ward in the afternoon and joined in bingo game and ward party. Much brighter.

  April 15

  Played cards with husband in early P.M., laughing and talking. Later entertained patient in [?room] playing her guitar. Showed them new chords that her husband had taught her.

  Telling other patients how when she was young she had always felt as thought she was adopted. Her brother and sister were like her parents - but not her. She was the black sheep and acted accordingly. Although her father never understood her, she felt that he truly loved her in his own way. Socializing well. Teaching young female patient how to play the guitar.

  April 17

  Sleeping before dinner. Eager to go to dance downstairs - Participated actively and seemed to enjoy herself. Later played her guitar and sang with a group of other patients. Tea and toast and retired.

  April 18

  Has difficulty getting to sleep - wandered about the day room for a while - persuaded to go to bed and leave her light on as patient stated she was afraid of the dark. Smoked a cigarette and then noted she turned off her light and was asleep.

  April 19

  At 7 P.M. patient appeared to experience psychotic breakdown when nurse entered room patient was lying on bed, staring at the ceiling and did not respond to questions. When light was switched on patient blinked, appeared to become markedly anxious and began to scream loudly - she jumped from bed, began banging her head against the wall and whimpered continually - “Don’t touch me” - on approach she screamed “Don’t touch me” and flung herself on the floor and began to whimper once again.

  After injection patient said she heard a voice saying to her, “They’re going to frighten you.” While patient was dozing she was heard saying - “I’m a mess” - “I’m so mixed up” - “I hit Alex” -I’ve never hit anyone in my life except my husband and my kids.” Patient remained in bed rest of evening, dozing on and off.

  April 20

  Dressed in a rather juvenile manner, knee socks, flat shoes etc. Saw children this A.M. - very pleased to see them. After visit spent long period singing accompanying herself on a guitar. Came out to dining room later in afternoon - talked about music etc.

  Dressed in wool skirt and knee socks, playing rummy with a young female patient before supper. Manner flippant and loud and quite gay. Attended the movie and for the first hour, laughed and appeared to be enjoying it. Grew quite upset after a little domestic scene had been presented, where the young husband comes home drunk and accuses the wife of infidelity. The girl’s name in the movie was Linda. Ms. Macdonald left abruptly complaining of headache and backache. Lying in bed with sunglasses on obtained relief from heating pad. Stated “I don’t know what I’m going to do if I don’t leave here without curing this backache.” Ten minutes later was up in the dining strumming her guitar and singing, seeming to have completely forgotten her pains. In one of the happier scenes in the movie she had pointed at the young married couple and said “That’s Tom and me all over.”

  April 21

  Gay euphoric manner. Visited by husband and went out for coffee. Manner unchanged upon return. Laughing uproariously and joking and teasing other patients. Asked nurse about depatterning. “It’s all that’s left for me I guess. But I don’t want to forget my children. They are the one good thing in my [?life].”

  April 22

  Seen by Dr. Briones [the intern] at 5:30P.M. Anxious to go to dance and afraid that her appointment with the doctor will coincide with the dance. “I know I’m here to get help, not to go to dances but it makes me angry when my appointments coincide with the dance.” Attended da
nce and enjoyed it thoroughly. Said to the nurse earlier in the evening “I’ve heard that they haven’t diagnosed me yet. I’ve been here a month and they don’t know what’s wrong with me yet?” Went on to say, “I never avoid conflicts I move headlong into them. But none of my wild little escapades have seemed to solve anything. Perhaps this is my escape from my problem. I really want to show my true self to the doctors. I want to know myself as I really am.”

  April 24

  Apparently had a talk with one of the other female patients’ ministers. Later seen by Dr. Briones. Returned to ward looking extremely downcast. Nurse asked how it had gone and Ms. Macdonald replied very sarcastically “It went marvelously well, thank you.” Later she appeared out on the ward dressed charmingly, ready for the dance. Talked with nurse and a group of female patients. Stated about interview with Dr. Briones “There was a complete lack of communication. I guess it was my fault. But I’m not going to let anything he has said upset me or spoil my evening.” She continued to chat gaily discussing art, flowers and other miscellaneous subjects with the nurse. Enjoyed the dance and later entertained a group of patients with her guitar and singing.

  April 25

  ECT#1.PR DT.O.T.MA 400 × 6 GM Seizure. [I don’t understand all this notation, but it means that she had a grand mal seizure subsequent to her first shock treatment]

  Quite apprehensive about treatment. Stated if she knows exactly what things are all about does not mind but was told only that she would have a needle and come straight back upstairs. On return to ward showed no confusion - asked the nurse her husband’s name but had no trouble remembering anything else. Complained of headache and started to cry “because of the headache”.

  May 2

  Quite drowsy but no other physical complaints. No memory loss. Stated she hoped she would recover from the effect of the second

  E.C.T. in time to attend the dance tonight. Stated her husband would be coming to see her tomorrow night and she would be glad to see him.

  May 3

  Spent morning strumming guitar and later making sandwiches for party tonight. Mood cheerful, stated she was eager to get her treatments over with - “I don’t mind the headaches and sore jaw, I just want to get them finished.”

  May 3

  Visited by husband and went downstairs with him. Does not appear confused, although has forgotten some recent events. Outside walking and on swings. Inquiring about sleep room.

  May 9

  Patient is aloof, seldom speaks but at times exhibits sudden interest. Post ECT had [?] and watched with interest as nurse persuaded a confused patient to take her meds. Tried to help but said nothing. Smiles when eyes met [?] over patient’s head.

  Did not dress today, spent time on ward watching T.V. Sits or lies watching T. V. and seems drowsy. When nurse approached she woke up, sat up, smiled, laughs appropriately but says little. Plays cards and picks one string of her guitar but when asked to play a key does not seem to comprehend. 6 P.M. ECT#10 TD.7 MA 400 × 6

  May 11

  Patient post ECT knew name and city only. Believed she was in hospital having had her first child. Is quite, content to sit on fringe of activities. Answers only direct questions and then only in monosyllables and sometimes just stares. Unable or unwilling to follow directions but cooperative with supervision. Retired without difficulty.

  May 12

  Following ECT this PM patient was oriented to name only. She smiles but doesn’t answer when spoken to and is content to sit watching other patients in room for long periods. Cannot follow directions and when attempts are made in help her or give pills becomes quite negativistic. Spent much time in room and needs much supervision.

  May 13

  Post ECT she was very confused, oriented only to name Needed much direction about ward and assistance in bathing and dressing. Facies expression [this means a blank expression]. Spent most of day in ICU.

  May 14

  Disoriented in all spheres [doesn’t know who she is, where she is, or the date] following E.C.T. Eventually remembered name only. Eats well with assistance. No anxiety shown over memory loss. Facies blank, passive. Slept for one hour this afternoon then remained lying in bed.

  May 16

  Facies expressionless and patient confused. Answers to name “Linda” only. Mumbles incoherently and responds only to direct commands slowly. She needs complete direction about ward and complete physical care. Watches other patients on ward. While walking down hall she noticed an open cupboard door, she stopped to close it and continued walking slowly. Manages to feed self.

  May 19

  Facies flat. Disoriented in all three spheres but looks up when first name is called. Incontinent of urine once only this A.M. Voided this P.M. Needs help bathing and with eating and drinking. Did some doodling with pencil and paper but concentration is very poor. Verbalizing very little and when she does speech is very slurred and slow. Gait a little unsteady and patient needs physical support. A little negativistic at times. Intake 1200 cc.

  May 20

  Facies remain quite blank, patient remained in ICU - sitting with other patients almost mute - stating “no” to certain directions. Very slow moving - however patient can feed self once started by nurse. No incontinence. Taking fluids well. Intake 600 cc. Output x 2.

  May 22

  ECT 26 TD 0.7 MA 400 × 6 GM Seizure. Facies quite blank. Patient disoriented to name, place, and time. When asked her age she replied, “Oh isn’t that lovely.” Manages to eat and drink when shown. Needs complete direction although she walks much better today. Sits staring at other people. Was found smoking cigarette in day room. Had lunch in ICU. Mumbles incoherently.

  Memory span short. Did not accept reassurance or explanation wanting to phone her husband constantly “I don’t see why I can’t phone, how can he look after my five children?’ Borrowing dimes from other patients on ward looking up her number in phone book but could not remember when she went to dial, talking to nurse this evening about past saying she went to [?] in Ottawa relating how she met her husband and that she has five children very concerned about how her husband would cope with children, short memory span but quite insistent abut phoning, settles down after Largactil 100 mg. Retired early.

  May 24

  More aware of her surroundings still third stage. Answering simple questions with short simple word answers knows her first name is “Linda” voiding and eating well spending most of time in ICU distinguishing simple objects such as a pen, points to her guitar when asked about it.

  May 25

  Very good P.M. activity for most part of P.M., played bridge with other patients, pleasant and cheerful on approach, still needs reassurance that what she is doing is right, no somatic complaints.

  May 26

  Still quite negativistic and resisting direction. However she is very cooperative in taking medications. Intake and output is good. Oriented only to name. Facial expression very blank. Holding her hands up and looking at them - pulling on her fingers. Settled early.

  August 17

  Friendly and cheerful. Somewhat worried over memory loss, but accepts reassurance very well, Questioned medications. Socializing well with other patients. Requires quite a bit of direction and reassurance.

  August 18

  Cheerful all day. Socializing well. Dressed somewhat untidily. Still has quite a bit of memory loss but accepts reassurance well. Spoke of looking forward to discharge in the future. Visited by husband and went for a walk with him. Very pleased to see him.

  August 20

  Fairly good P.M.; socializing well with other patients; played cards for long periods; still seeking constant reassurance in attempts to reeducate herself. Fairly concerned over memory loss.

  August 25

  Returned to ward about 6 P.M. accompanied by husband; said she had a wonderful weekend and is looking forward to next weekend already.

  August 26

  Good evening. Very enthusiastic about arranging singing group on the ward. Mixing with the o
ther female patients and displaying protectiveness towards one other female patient. Attended the dance and took an active part. Mood appears elevated and patient [laughing?]. Talking continually. Relates on a superficial level. Neat in appearance. Speaks optimistically about returning home.

  September 3

  Good evening. Memory loss evident but patient is not disturbed by this. Spent long periods talking and playing cards with other female patients. Cheerful and pleasant on approach, smiling often and talking a great deal.

  September 5

  Socializing with any patient. Still conversed and appeared less talkative giving the other member of the group to talk. Group with other 4 female patients and when approached by a male patient she started a nice joke and burst everybody into laughter. Went to the dance. Talked much after she came from the dance and other patients complained that Ms. Macdonald is a loud person and always talk much talked more of her appreciation about other patients who are good dancers stated she enjoyed dancing too but she enjoyed more watching good dancers. Anxious to go on weekend tomorrow with husband.