Experiment in managing sociopathic behaviour disorders

Abstract

A ward catering for both sexes admitted patients with aggressive, suicidal, or otherwise disturbed behaviour for observation and treatment until decisions could be made about their long-term needs. Patients were referred from the police, special hospitals, and the courts and some were transferred from other wards in the hospital. A third of the first 100 patients were admitted for forensic reasons. Twelve inmates were discharged to long-term accommodation for disturbed patients. The ward was intended to provide fairly short-term accommodation, though no time limits were set, and it was run as a medium secure unit. The ward was run by 16–18 nurses with support from medical teams, occupational therapists, and clinical psychologists. It has secured its status as a special unit within the hospital and will continue with the active support of the hospital staff. © 1976, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.