Overprotection in the psychiatric hospital

Summary

Overprotection is always a danger in hospitals, and psychiatric hospitals are no exception to this. As the psychiatric hospital has become less custodial, more therapeutic and more enlightened, the sources of the danger have shifted. In the past, lack of concern and attention to the patient tended to lead to “institutionalism.” Now, it may arise from such factors as the secondary gain of pleasanter surroundings, overidentification with patients, and a disproportionate focus on psychopathology relative to ego strength. This paper presents six cases, illustrating four different types of situation in which overprotection may occur in the enlightened, intensive treatment, psychiatric hospital The factors which promote (or prevent) recognition of these overprotective patterns of care are discussed.