Lecture 4 - Mental Health Ethics

Question 1

Why are more people being detained?

Answer 1

Loss of hospital beds (so people aren’t admitted early enough)
After care isn’t present (relapse)

2007 reform of Mental Heatlh Act broadened the definition of mental disorder

Inc population size

Question 2

What is the utilitarianism (consequentialism) ethical consideration in involuntary detention?

Answer 2

Detain people for the greater good of the wider population, so taking others free will away from them is justified

Temporary deprivation of liberty for eventual return to good health

Question 3

What is the justified paternalism argument for involuntary detention?

Answer 3

People are detained for their own good in an effort to help them get better

Question 4

What is the beneficence argument. For involuntary detention?

Answer 4

Care when patients are incapable of caring for themselves, restore them to autonomy

Question 5

What is the justice argument for involuntary detention?

Answer 5

Protection of public

Question 6

What is the problem witht automny with involuntary detention?

Answer 6

Patients can be lawfully detained even if they refuse and have capacity

Question 7

What is mental illness?

Answer 7

General term that refers to a group of illnesses affecting the mind

Question 8

What is the purpose of mental health legislation?

Answer 8

Regulate the circumstances in which the liberty of persons who are mentally disorder may be restricted and where there is conflict, balance their interests against those of public policy

Question 9

What is the most up to date mental health act?

Answer 9

Mental Health Act 2007

Question 10

What are the problems that the Mental Health Act 2007 encounters when considering Human rights?

Answer 10

Infringes Article 8 (respect for family and private life)

Infringes Article 3 (inhuman treatment and possibly torture)

Article 5 (liberty and security of person)

Question 11

What is the definition of Mental Disorder under the Mental Health Act?

Answer 11

A single broad definition

Any disorder or disability of the mind

Question 12

Who can be involved in the admission process for treatment of a metal disorder?

Answer 12

GP
Approved mental health professional
Nearest relative
Carter
Police
Ambulance crew
Magistrate
Admission staff

Question 13

What is section 2 of the mental health act?

Answer 13

Admission for assessment (up to 28 days)

Question 14

What is section 3 of the mental health act?

Answer 14

Admission for treatment (up to 6months, may be renewed)