Daisy Schofield’s article is insightful about the plans to micromanage behaviour by the state (Welcome to ‘asbo Britain 2.0’ – the new Tory plan to turn voters against vulnerable people, 1 August). There are huge potential harms to vulnerable people, especially people with mental health problems.
It is however important to remember the harms of nitrous oxide, which she mentions as a less important target for regulation. The risks of nitrous oxide are frequently minimised by users and the press. Its use can result in subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, resulting in complete or partial paralysis that can be permanent. Cases are now regularly seen in emergency departments as nitrous oxide abuse is escalating.
Dr Janet Grace
Consultant neuropsychiatrist, Newcastle
