Hospital study shows full moons werewolf effect

A study in an Australian hospital has identified a spike in out-of-control "werewolf" patients when a full moon is out.

There were 91 emergency patients rated as having violent and acute behavioural disturbance at the Calvary Mater Newcastle hospital from August 2008 to July 2009.

Leonie Calver, a clinical research nurse in toxicology, said almost a quarter of the cases (23 per cent) occurred on a night of full moon and this was double the number for other lunar phases.

The patients all had to be sedated and physically restrained to protect themselves and others.

"Some of these patients attacked the staff like animals - biting, spitting and scratching," Ms Calver said.

"One might compare them with the werewolves of the past, who are said to have also appeared during the full moon."

Ms Calver said werewolf mythology included reports of people rubbing "magic ointment" onto their skin or inhaling vapours to induce the shirt-rending transformation from man to beast.

The main ingredients were belladonna and nightshade, she said, both substances that could produce delirium, hallucinations and delusion of bodily metamorphosis.

Ms Calver said it appeared the "modern-day werewolf" preferred alcohol or illicit drugs, as more than 60 per cent of the patients reviewed in the study were under the influence.

"We don't know if its more fun to use drugs and alcohol under a full moon or if their behavioural disturbance is directly influenced by the moon," she said.

"Our findings support the premise that individuals with violent and acute behavioural disturbance are more likely to present to the emergency department during...full moon."

The research is published in the pre-Christmas edition of the Medical Journal of Australia.

Is it deliberate that the words "Lunacy" and "Lunatic" contain the word "Luna" for moon?

You never been at the FMP on Koh Phangen?

Belladonna acts upon every part of the nervous system, producing active congestion, furious excitement, perverted special senses, twitching, convulsions and pain.

It has a marked action on the vascular system, skin and glands. Belladonna always is associated with hot, red skin, flushed face, glaring eyes, throbbing carotids,

excited mental state, hyperaesthesia of all senses, delirium, restless sleep, convulsive movements, dryness of mouth and throat with aversion to water

How very interesting...

How very interesting...

Yes and I thought it was just the name of a porn star

How very interesting...

Yes and I thought it was just the name of a porn star

What is?

Belladonna

Oh my goodness, I have just googled it!!!

Is it deliberate that the words "Lunacy" and "Lunatic" contain the word "Luna" for moon?

Yes.

The observation that certain phases of the moon can affect some people has been made for ages.

Radio talkshow host say that there is a definite increase in wierdo calls on the full moon, however, a senior Auckland police officer, when questioned if the is a correlation between violent crime and the full moon said that there is not, that all sorts of crime do not have any pattern relating to phases of the moon (implying that the police had at least looked into the idea)

My ex-wife used to get silly on the half moon waxing.

My first wife's silliness didn't seem to need any outside factors to bring it on.

Wonder weather the publication of the report coincided with the opening of a new Werewolf/Vampire Film?? Twilight for instance!!

or they were just short of a NEW story

Wonder weather the publication of the report coincided with the opening of a new Werewolf/Vampire Film?? Twilight for instance!!

or they were just short of a NEW story

I think you are spot on...its life imitating art...and what timing...... is there a werewolf emoticon?

We might need one for all the "new moon" threads that are sure to follow

Welcome to the Newcastle H3 Full Moon Hash, one of the many Full Moon Hashes held around the world on the appropriate evening.

(We also had a 'Force 8' Hash on Hng Kong - only run when the weather conditions reached a force 8 condition.

But then if you join any Hash House Harriers group you are likely to be certified within a month.

20 February 2010 - Newcastle H3 (NSW) - 1800th Run

WHERE: Mayfield Bowling Club

REGO:- 2:00pm for 3:00pm run. Don't be late

Bucket and Circle after the run - Time when you all get back

We eat, Dance and Drink - 6:30pm till Midnight

Theme - 1800's so dress up to get in

Cost $55.00 per head includes Run, Light Dinner/Dance with Drinks, Giveaway & Great time

CONTACTS: Mr. Smart 02 4954 8782 or 0413 525 365 [email protected]

Tombstone 02 4955 5234 or 0417 285 321 [email protected]

Full details get the flyer

Thank goodness, it's Newcastle Australia.

The thought of a true Geordie running anywhere, unless pursued by something much larger than him, is too ludicrous to bear.

Thank goodness, it's Newcastle Australia.

The thought of a true Geordie running anywhere, unless pursued by something much larger than him, is too ludicrous to bear.

Depends if he's late for the pub - when it's the gaffer's round.

Nah, he'd send Flo down with a carry bag.

Nah, he'd send Flo down with a carry bag.

Why would he send Flo? Is he handicapped?

That's pronounced 'andycapped in Geordie.

I was a prodigious reader during my childhood in Sydney.... I do recall Andy in the Sydney Morning Herald or some such.

That's pronounced 'andycapped in Geordie.

Geordie....George's real name

Also a dialect of northern England.

A number of rival theories explain how the term came about,

though all accept that it derives from a familiar diminutive form

of the name George which was once the most popular name for

eldest sons in the north-east of England.

Possibly due to several recent kings who had that name.

Unfortunately I can't see the same thing happening in the US, the presidents named George in the last few years haven't shared similar popularity.

Possibly due to several recent kings who had that name.

Unfortunately I can't see the same thing happening in the US, the presidents named George in the last few years haven't shared similar popularity.

Yes I think one George in our life is enough.....

I was expecting a rush of ThaiVisa members naming their first born sceadugenga but it doesn't seen to have eventuated.

I was expecting a rush of ThaiVisa members naming their first born sceadugenga but it doesn't seen to have eventuated.

I think its due to limited exposure…..your work in Bedlam is legendary……..

Perhaps George might consider a Bedlam PPV….sip baht per thread accessed.