The British Journal of Psychiatry (1966) 112: 733-735. doi: 10.1192/bjp.112.488.733
© 1966 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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The Effects of Prescribing Minimal Barbiturates in an Acute Psychiatric Ward

NEIL MITCHELL M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., D.P.M.1 and CHRISTOPHER TURTON M.D., M.Sc., M.R.C.P., D.P.M.2

1 Senior Registrar, Morgannwg Hospital, Bridgend, Glam.
2 Consultant Psychiatrist, Park Prewett Hospital, Basingstoke, Hants.

(1) It proved feasible almost entirely to discontinue the routine prescription of barbiturates for night sedation over a period of a year in a female ward, taking in a high proportion of patients with a diagnosis of psycho-neurosis and/ or personality disorder.

(2) The ward proved easier to run, with fewer complaints of sleeplessness and less overall disturbance at night.

(3) In view of the above and the dual dangers of drug dependence and attempted suicide in this group, it is suggested that the use of barbiturates as night sedation should be discontinued whenever persons of these diagnostic categories are at risk.

Submitted on November 5, 1965