Citation

Schwarz CJ, Greenfield GP. Can. Psychiatr. Assoc. J. 1978; 23(4): 197-200.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1978, Canadian Psychiatric Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

667776

Abstract

A patient was successfully charged with assault of a nurse on a Psychiatric Unit and was placed on probation for one year. The judge found her guilty despite the location of the incident and her 20-year history of previous psychiatric treatment, including 14 hospitalizations. Following this confrontation, the patient improved markedly in her behaviour and has continued to lead a more productive life without hysterical outbursts. It is concluded that proceeding with legal charges in such a situation is justifiable and can also be therapeutic.

Language: en