Look deeper

A letter to the editor published in today's Halifax Chronicle Herald:

The article, "Psychiatric nurses under assault," fails to address a number of possible causes of increased patient aggression. With the headline it used, and by neglecting to interview patients or ex-patients for balanced reporting, this newspaper is contributing to the stigma of living with a mental illness.

Individuals involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric facility may feel fearful and confused due to their loss of freedom. Additionally, the nature of some acute psychotic illnesses means that a few patients, while still deserving of dignity and respect, are at times incapable of distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour.

For example, involuntary patients who smoke are no longer allowed to do so and alternative methods of nicotine delivery may not be satisfying to some people who are experiencing psychosis. As a result, these individuals may become aggressive. While smoking has significant negative heath effects, and the Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia encourages smoking cessation, the fact remains that the majority of individuals living with schizophrenia smoke.

Investigating the root causes of increased patient aggression at the Abbie Lane will contribute to public understanding of mental illness instead of reinforcing public prejudice.

Stephen W. Ayer, PhD, executive director, Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia