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Sammanfattning

This study analyses the practice and experiences of involuntary medication related to patients and staff in a Norwegian acute psychiatric inpatient unit. Data was generated from fieldwork and the findings are: a) Both patients and staff experienced powerlessness, but for the staff medication was a matter of necessity even when they had to use force, b) Medication defined as voluntary, was experienced as being involuntary. c) Patients described painful side effects from medicines; while the staff, argued that the favorable effects made up for the side effects. The discussion draws upon the work of the Italian philosopher Giorgio Agamben and his political theories of human rights. This illustrates that involuntary medication becomes a permanent state of exception where patients are deprived their status as citizens.

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