Apparently some schizo nutters in the media, real basket cases that they are, could find that they have breached the Press Complaints Commission code of practice by using words like, erm, 'schizo', 'nutter' and 'basket case'. The media's self regulatory body last week warned journalists regarding their use of such words, responding to concerns among some mental health professionals regarding the way people with mental illnesses are referred to in the press.
The PCC said media organisations should remember that clause 12 of their code of practice relates to discrimination against the mentally ill and advised that media should consult mental health organisations like Mind, Sane, See Me and Rethink for advice on how to refer to mentally ill people, and mental health institutions, to avoid contravening PCC rules.
The Commission said last week: "Not only can such language ['nutter' etc] cause distress to patients and their families, by interfering detrimentally with their care and treatment, it can also create a climate of public fear or rejection. Terminology is important. People are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983 in 'hospitals' and not 'prisons', and are 'patients' not 'prisoners'. Under the terms of the Act, the words 'jail', 'cell' and 'cage' are inaccurate when referring to their accommodation".