R. D. Laing and long-stay patients: discrepant accounts of the refractory ward and `rumpus room' at Gartnavel Royal Hospital

Abstract

R. D. Laing's mental hospital experience has been considered a for mative influence on his controversial views. This paper addresses a number of discrepancies in the existing accounts: important aspects of the refractor y ward and `r umpus room' were underestimated; all the `r umpus room' patients were not discharged and readmitted as repeatedly stated; his interactions with the patients were very limited and the viewpoints of most remain unknown; and the introduction of Largactil (chlor promazine) was not mentioned. The Kingsley Hall residential project, Laing's first book The Divided Self , and his influence on psychiatrists' attitudes are considered in the light of these findings. Pessimism about long-stay patients may have influenced the acceptance of inaccurate information.