“To suit the occasion,I wore my schizophrenic fancy dress” 1 – the life of Janet Frame

Abstract

Objective:

Janet Frame (1924–2004) was one of New Zealand’s most celebrated authors. Much of her work stems from her experiences as a psychiatric patient. She was hospitalised for about eight years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Treatments included insulin coma therapy and unmodified electroconvulsive therapy. Her doctors then planned for her to have a leucotomy, which was cancelled upon discovery that one of her works had won a prestigious literary award.

She subsequently moved to England and was assessed at the Maudsley Hospital by Sir Aubrey Lewis. She was found to never have suffered from schizophrenia; her condition was instead attributed to the effects of overtreatment and prolonged hospitalisation. She reflected profoundly on these experiences in her writing, and those who are interested in psychiatry are truly fortunate to have access to her autobiographies, fiction and poetry.

Conclusions:

Janet Frame has written both autobiographical and fictional accounts of her many years of psychiatric treatment, describing individuals, interpersonal relationships, and everyday life in these institutions. Her own life story demonstrates extraordinary recovery and achievement.