Warning To Parents Causes Confusion (Press, 4 August 1977)

In August 1977, concerns arose regarding an advertisement in "Health" magazine from Dr. S. L. Pugmire, the medical superintendent of Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital. The ad, which urged parents to seek medical advice for their teenage children exhibiting any of 14 specified "disorders," led to alarm among parents and bemusement among teachers. The behaviours listed included truancy, declining academic performance, running away from home, disciplinary issues, increased religious fervour, personality changes, and even homosexual activity, which were subsequently labelled by Dr. Pugmire as potential symptoms of schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders. Dr. Pugmire defended his position, stating that while he acknowledged the normality of certain adolescent behaviours, he believed that the symptoms still warranted attention. He explained that the advertisement had been altered by the Department of Health, initially intended for medical students and teachers, rather than for parents. Though he maintained that these symptoms could indicate severe issues, critics, including school heads, argued that many of the behaviours were typical in teenagers and suggested that schools would be more appropriate first points of contact for concerned parents. Mr. A. Gilchrist, headmaster of Aranui High School, pointed out that the symptoms covered a wide range of behaviours, with many being common during adolescence. He suggested that parents should seek guidance from schools for issues related to academic performance and personality shifts rather than overburdening medical practitioners. Similarly, Mr. Leggatt from Christchurch Boys’ High School expressed confusion regarding the advertisement's intent, emphasizing the need for guidance but questioning its usefulness for parents. Ann Ballin, a counsellor at the University of Canterbury, echoed the sentiment that reaching out to teachers or student counsellors would be more beneficial than approaching a doctor first for these adolescent behaviours. She noted that many symptoms described in the ad pointed to standard teenage struggles, particularly against authority, and stated that consulting local clergy during religious phases might be preferable. Dr. S. W. Mirams, the Director of Mental Health, mentioned that he received inquiries about the advertisement from people who misunderstood its purpose, suggesting it wasn't alarming. Echoing others, he stated that while these signs could indicate emotional distress, they did not necessarily warrant immediate medical intervention. He highlighted the importance of providing reassurance to parents, allowing them to cope more confidently with typical teenage behaviour. Overall, the debate revolving around the advertisement illustrated a conflict between understanding typical adolescent behaviour and recognising when professional help is necessary. While Dr. Pugmire advocated for early detection of possible mental health issues, educators and mental health professionals encouraged a more measured response, focusing on the normalcy of many adolescent behaviours and the role of schools in addressing such concerns.

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