Table 4.

Themes and illustrative quotations for the most traumatic aspect of treatment.

Long stay in hospital

“Being in the hospital for 1 year and 3 months is the most traumatic; the cops thought I was living in my car. I was driving from VA to NJ to be with aunt and uncle. Had a lot of stuff in the car. Got arrested for making a call. The cops took me to hospital and I have been here since.” “Since 2001 only released for 4 months and in the hospital for over 6 years.”

Coercive treatment

“The fact that my friend and cops should have been more civil to me rather than forcing me to come to the hospital.” (Involuntary hospitalization) “The fact that I was restrained, three guys restrained me [and] gave me a med.” (Restraints) “Several times, I was physically restrained to take meds; I was held down to take injection.” (Forced medication)

Medications side effects

“I had prolixin injection, could not sit or stand still after injection.” “Medicines make me fat and destroyed my beauty.”

Mistreatment by professionals

“Staff was taking clothes off for me when I took shower.” “Last hospitalization, I felt harassed by pts’ and staff.”

Being with other psychiatric patients

“Being exposed to a whole bunch of very sick people for 2 months.” “Seeing a patient pulling her hair and throwing up was the most traumatic.”