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4/ Editorial introductions
Chapter 5 - The
Role of the Psychiatric Nurse by Ben
Davidson
Perhaps we should punctuate the
narrative of the text at this stage, by making explicit a social contructionist
view of psychiatric disorder; also perhaps it might be timely to assert that the
popular conception of mental illness as a disorder located in the individual is
wrong, and that the concepts and techniques of psychiatry and associated disciplines
do more harm than good. And again, perhaps it is possible to begin to develop
an alternative view. This chapter does so, using as a starting point the writings
of David Smail and referring to Laing's work as well as professional and personal
experience. Ben Davidson argues that the process of genuine 'mental health' care
comprises demystification and comfort, and examines some of the benefits and difficulties
of this model in relation to clinical practice. The role of the psychiatric nurse
and issues of professional identity are considered. Ben emphasizes the merits
of a reformulation of our role and identity in line with the preceding analysis.
