When a program of non-restraint is put into action both personnel and patients require re-training.In a period of 6 weeks all physical restraints have been abolished on a disturbed service. The patients are much more relaxed and the personnel take a much greater interest in their work. Abolition of restraint has been attained without any increase or change in personnel.Noisy and aggressive patients have shown a much better response to the new regimen than those who are regressed and deteriorated.Although the program has been in effect for only a short time, our convalescent rate is already 9 times what it was in the previous year.We have attempted to prove the truth of the statement of Dr. John Connolly, a hundred years ago: "Restraint and neglect are synonymous. They are a substitute for the thousand attentions needed by a disturbed patient."Abstract Teaser