Epiphysan

Epiphysan is an extract derived from the pineal glands of cattle, historically used by veterinarians for rut suppression in mares and cows. Between 1954 and 1987 it was notoriously used in child research at the Kinderbeobachtungsstation in Innsbruck, Austria, which housed a children's psychiatric facility.^[1]

History

First developed for veterinary medicine, Epiphysan had been tested on humans in Vienna in the 1930s. Prisoners who were given the drug, temporarily exhibited a reduction in their masturbation impulse.^[1]

Documented cases

Maria Nowak-Vogl, a psychologist affiliated with the University of Innsbruck, oversaw the Kinderbeobachtungsstation until her retirement in 1987.^[2] Her treatments included the administration of various potent sedatives including Rohypnol. Some children were given Epiphysan to suppress their sexual feelings and discourage masturbation. Nowak-Vogl was the first to administer it to children. According to hundreds of medical records reviewed by Ina Friedmann, a historian of medicine at the University of Innsbruck, nearly thirty cases of Epiphysan being administered were documented.

After the 1980 documentary Problemkinder exposed some of the practices at the villa, Kornelius Kryspin-Exner, its new supervisor, ordered an end to the use of Epiphysan.^[3]

No research has been done to study the long-term effects of Epiphysan.^[1]