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.