Icons in exile: the representation of mentally ill patients in British newspapers

Abstract

This study examined the discourse on mental illness in the British printed press and made a cross cultural comparison with the Dutch media approach towards mental illness. It was hypothesized that stigmatizing of mentally ill patients had a social function, because the ‘madness’ ‘badness’ segregation made the public feel as if they remained healthy. A literature review was done, mainly based upon articles published by peer reviewed journals. The author argues that if stigmatizing is an unavoidable social mechanism, identifiying the appropriate category to attribute blame is essential. Individual irresponsible behaviour represents a bigger absolute risk than mental illness. Therefore a mentality shift from the containment of ill behaviour towards the condemnation of irresponsible behaviour, such as drunken driving, can improve public safety.

Keywords:

• Mental illness
• stigma
• high security
• social function
• Broadmoor

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank Dr K. Murray, Associate Medical Director, and Dr A. Payne, Clinical Director, Broadmoor Hospital, Dr A. Bartlett and Dr C. Romilly, St. George‘s Medical School and Mr P. Robertson and Mr. R. Hegarty, Head of External Relations Department, Broadmoor Hospital. Also Alison and Liz for their support in the Patrick McGrath Library.