7 Myths About Physical Restraints in Psychiatric Facilities

"We've probably all seen TV shows or movies such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (starring Jack Nicholson), where an individual with a mental illness is placed in a straitjacket in a psychiatric hospital due to being aggressive or out of control. These images are often disturbing and hard to forget. Further, they perpetuate the myth that this is how people with mental illness are treated in psychiatric facilities when they become violent or unpredictable."

"Having worked in a psychiatric hospital for well over two decades, I'd like to separate the myths from the truth about how aggressive behavior is currently managed in today's inpatient mental health facilities. This is important to understand so we can fight the ever-persistent stigma surrounding this issue. It's disheartening to know that people still continue to experience negative and distressing experiences related to the use of restraints in psychiatric facilities."

"My hope, though, is that by describing more optimal standards of care, we can help stimulate discussion and encourage additional facilities to adopt more humane and compassionate approaches to treatment. Here are seven myths about the use of physical restraints in psychiatric facilities and the corresponding facts about the appropriate standards of professional practice today. Myth 1: Straitjackets are still frequently used to control psychiatric patients. The Facts: Straitjacket use was discontinued long ago in psychiatric facilities in the U.S."

Images of straitjackets perpetuate myths that psychiatric patients are routinely treated with extreme physical restraints. Straitjacket use was discontinued long ago in U.S. facilities. Current physical restraints typically consist of soft nylon and Velcro wrist and ankle bracelets attached to a bed or specialized chair, with attention to patient positioning and comfort. Many facilities emphasize humane, less-restrictive approaches and adherence to professional standards. Restraints can still cause negative and distressing experiences, prompting efforts to reduce their use and educate staff. Describing appropriate practices aims to combat stigma and encourage wider adoption of compassionate standards of care.

Read at www.psychologytoday.com