ABSTRACT
Admitting to a state of mental stress or disorder is not an easy thing to do. It is easier and more acceptable to claim headaches or pain than to admit to feelings of despair or persecution or to hallucinations. Most people with depression, and anxiety states, are coped with by general practitioners (GP). But if the GP feels that the patient is in need of more specialised treatment, he may refer him to a psychiatrist. There are two main criticisms of psychiatrists. First is their seeming lack of care. The second criticism is that psychiatrists only 'dish out drugs'. The routine in a psychiatric hospital or unit obviously varies considerably throughout Britain, according to what staff and internal facilities are available. The routine given below is based on that of a hospital in London, but it gives a broad idea of what to expect in other psychiatric hospitals.
