Anti-Semitism cannot be a 'psychosis'
SIR – Fr Lucie-Smith is right to condemn anti-Semitism (blog at catholicherald.co.uk, April 28). However, his description of anti-Semitism as “irrational in nature” and thus a “psychosis” is unhelpful. When using medical terminology, care should be taken to ensure it is correct and appropriate. A psychosis is not an evil but a clinical phenomenon involving any number of delusional beliefs, hallucinations and a disordered train of thought (which Fr Lucie-Smith seems to describe in analogy). While it may be frustrating trying to argue with someone holding anti-Semitic views, that does not mean they are psychotic – just stubborn. Fr Lucie-Smith says: “We must be on our guard against the virus of anti-Semitism (for that way madness lies) and we must combat it wherever we find it.” However, were a patient to have a set of anti-Semitic beliefs as a result of a psychotic episode we would neither “combat” such beliefs nor condemn the patient (as it would be fruitless, although of course we would not agree with such beliefs). Nor would we describe them as having a “virus” (psychosis is not contagious). As Catholic doctors, we would provide compassion, sympathy and support for them and their families and treatment such as anti-psychotic medications. Patients suffering from psychosis and their families experience profound distress, shame and embarrassment, exacerbated by the stigma of having a mental illness. We wish to stand up for these patients who, somewhat like the unborn, often do not have a voice. While it is right to condemn anti-Semitism, it is wrong to describe it as a mental illness. Those with psychosis have an illness and they require medical attention. Those with anti-Semitic views cannot hide behind an illness model. Yours faithfully, Dr Matthew Doyle, Dr Joseph Nunan, Dr Marcela Schilderman and Dr Pravin Thevathasan By email
