The Sad Case of Mr Watene

Extract

Here is a good teaching case:

Mr Watene, aged 25, was put in prison for seven days on a charge of offensive behaviour, with a charge of robbery pending. On the third day he was recommended for transfer to a psychiatric hospital because he was sullen, depressed and uncommunicative; he had barricaded himself in his cell because he was scared of other prisoners, and he carried a knife for his protection, as he said. Two doctors wrote the order. One noted: ‘It is very difficult to gain his attention. He cerebrates slowly, and replies to repeated questioning are in the main irrelevant.’ The other said: ‘It is not really possible to have a conversation with him, but he does indicate his fear of being left alone in the cell and wished me to stay with him. Says he is mixed up.’