narcoanalysis

[ nahr-koh-uh-nal-uh-sis ]

noun

1. a method of psychological investigation in which the conscious or unconscious unwillingness of a subject to express memories or feelings is diminished by the use of a barbiturate drug.

narcoanalysis

/ ˌnɑːkəʊəˈnælɪsɪs /

noun

1. psychoanalysis of a patient in a trance induced by a narcotic drug

Word History and Origins

Origin of narcoanalysis¹

First recorded in 1935–40; narco- + analysis

Example Sentences

During World War II, Wolpe had been a medical officer for the South African army, treating traumatized soldiers with a Freudian approach called narcoanalysis: The men were given a barbiturate to help them access “repressed” memories from the battlefield.

From New York Times

It is believed Dr Milner was using sodium amytal as part of "narcoanalysis" - the uncovering of repressed traumatic memories, which was practised on shell-shocked soldiers in World War Two.

From BBC

Allegations centred on the use of sodium amytal as part of "narcoanalysis" - the uncovering of repressed traumatic memories.

From BBC

Records show he was using sodium amytal and may have been employing "narcoanalysis" - a military method for treating servicemen with repressed traumatic experiences, which was largely abandoned after World War Two.

From BBC

Narcoanalysis quickly fell out of fashion after the war, says Dr Poole, as alternative treatments emerged and psychiatrists became concerned about the lack of supporting evidence.

From BBC