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MENTAL HEALTH
A purpose-built comprehensive training centre for the mentally
subnormal was provided by the Essex County Council on a site
near Gallows Corner, and operated from September. The centre
consists of a junior section, which has four classrooms together
with a Domestic Science Unit, accommodating 72 boys and girls,
and an adult section consisting of four workshops, in which work
training is given to 50 persons; recreational facilities are provided.
This unit provides seriously handicapped persons with training,
and the opportunity of happiness through achievement, and, by
providing day care, relief is given to parents from the continuous
attention and supervision which the condition of many mental
defectives demand. Approximately one child in every hundred born
may require this type of sheltered environment for a large part of
their lives.
PSYCHOPATHIC DISORDER
The Mental Health Act, 1959, classifies mental disorder as
follows:—
"Mental disorder" means mental illness, arrested or
incomplete development of the mind, psychopathic disorder,
and any other disorder or disability of the mind."
The public readily appreciate the nature of mental illness,
and arrested development, but are not so familiar with the category
"psychopathic disorder" which is defined in the Act to mean a
persistent disorder or disability of mind (whether or not including
subnormality of intelligence) which results in abnormally aggressive
or seriously irresponsible conduct on the part of the patient, and
requires or is susceptible to medical treatment.
Persons who in their daily behaviour show gross want of social
responsibility and of consideration for others, of prudence and
foresight may fall within the category of psychopathic personality,
A persistent anti-social mode of conduct might include inefficiency
and lack of persistence in any form of occupation, pathological
lying, swindling, alcoholism, drug addiction, or habitua: sexual
offences. Such persons are prone to indulge in violent actions with
little motivation and show entire absence of self-restraint. Punishment
influences behaviour only momentarily and its lasting effect,
if any, is more likely to intensify their vindictiveness and anti-social
attitude.
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