Sir, - Vincent Browne (Opinion, November 18th) highlights a potentially explosive issue that has been brushed under the carpet for years. The plight of people with mental illness have gone unheard and unreported because of an enduring apathy and indifference by people at all levels of our society, including politicians and journalists. The annual report from the Inspector of Mental Hospitals has pointed out the failings and shortcomings of the psychiatric services year after year. Yet there has been not so much as a whimper from opinion-formers who have been extremely successful at pursuing and uncovering a myriad of other scandals.
Now we read that some doctors are prescribing medication outside accepted clinical guidelines - it is common knowledge that the prescribing of two or more anti-psychotic drugs is not recommended. It is also common knowledge that increasing the dosage of any particular medication will not necessarily increase the therapeutic effect. In fact, much research has been done on the effectiveness of low-dose, anti-psychotic medication. A further accepted guideline is that medication is reviewed regularly. The inspector's report raises questions on the application of all these clinical guidelines.
It is unacceptable that a State-appointed inspector can writes that "there appeared to be an increasing number of sudden deaths in psychiatric hospitals, some of which were attributed to drug-related effects" without the Minister for Health ordering an immediate and urgent inquiry.
Well done to Vincent Browne for focusing attention on this disgrace. Other journalists please copy. - Yours, etc.,
Orla Behan, Thirlestane Terrace, Dublin 8.