About this item
The conclusion of America's Civil War set off an ongoing struggle as a fractured society suffered the psychological consequences of four years of destruction, deprivation and distrust. Veterans experienced climbing rates of depression, suicide, mental illness, crime, and alcohol and drug abuse. Survivors, leery of conventional medicine and traditional religion, sought out quacks and spiritualists as cult memberships grew. This book provides a comprehensive account of the war-weary fighting their mental demons.
About the Author
R. Gregory Lande, DO is a graduate of the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. After receiving his medical degree, Dr. Lande joined the US Army and completed a twenty year career in recognition of which he received the Legion of Merit Award. Following his military service Dr. Lande's active professional career turned to successive state, federal, and private work at all levels including administrative, clinical, academic, and research activities. Dr. Lande specializes in adult psychiatry, forensic psychiatry, and addiction medicine. Dr. Lande is a past president of the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine and continues to actively support their mission. In addition to his medical career, Dr. Lande is an independent history scholar. His interest in historical research focuses on the human side of America's Civil War era and his latest book, "Spiritualism in the American Civil War," is a continued effort in that direction. Previous books include the "Psychological Consequences of the American Civil War", "The Abraham Man: Madness, Malingering, and the Development of Medical Testimony", and "Madness, Malingering & Malfeasance: The Transformation of Psychiatry and the Law in the Civil War Era". A sampling of journal articles include "Felo De Se: Soldier suicides in America's Civil War in Military Medicine", "The court-martial of Sergeant George W. McDonald in the Maryland Historical Magazine", and "Civil War Nostalgia in the Annals of Florida Conference of Historians". A sampling of Dr. Lande's medical authorship can be found at ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0072-3538.
