Brainwashing in Nut Wards and Other Intensive "Treatment" Settings

Here is an example of how Robert Jay Lifton's brainwashing theory might play out on a psych ward....

Assault on identity, Guilt

"You were seen stripped naked, singing in the street. You acted impulsively."

"But I was singing in tune.. That was Verdi."

"You must give up singing."

Self-betrayal

"Your parents raised you wrong."

Breaking point (patient breaks down and cries while trying to smoke a cigarette because his hands are shaking so badly from the pills.)

Leniency (A "nice" staff person takes the patient outside and they have a "talk.")

The compulsion to confess

(While outside, patient tells "nice" staff person he has been thinking he might be gay.)

The channeling of guilt, Reeducation: logical dishonoring

"Nice" staff tells patient that the explanation is that patient has a chemical imbalance of the brain.

Progress and harmony, Final confession and rebirth "I have a mental illness. I will need treatment for the rest of my life."

Come discuss brainwashing in psychiatric settings!