Letter: Abuse of psychiatry

Sir: Reporting of the Government's plans to detain people with a severe personality disorder has generally ignored the traumatic effect such proposals have already had on the many people with a diagnosis of personality disorder daily coping in the community.

What we need is supportive policies to encourage people to seek help from health services at an early stage and when they themselves want it. We do not need punitive measures which drive them underground, contrary to the interest of public safety.

GIL HITCHON

Chief Executive

The Mental After Care Association

London WC1