Mental Health Flashcards
What is Mental Health?
As defined in the Mental Health Act [sec. 1] 1983
“any disorder or disability of the mind, includes a brain injury”
(Note: Learning difficulties - such as Downs Syndrome, Autism or Asperger’s are not included, unless accompanied by aggravating factors such as violence).
Name 3 examples of when - as a Police Officer - we may encounter someone suffering from mental health issues;
Absconder from Hospital/Care Facility.
MISPER
Patientis receiving ‘Care in the Community’
Potentially any offender, victim or witness.
Suicidal threat/victim.
Self Harming.
Some medical conditions can present with similar behaviours as mental health issues - can you name 3?
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Urinary Tract ("Water") Infections
Strokes
Alcohol & DrugsWhat signs and behaviours would someone in mental health crisis potentially display?
(18 listed - can you name 10?)
- Losing touch with reality.
- feelings of anxiety and helplessness.
- Unable to form close relationships with others.
- Difficulty in communicating feelings.
- Unable to cope with everyday activities/work/looking after children/attending to personal care.
- Distracted.
- Visibly Angry.
- Talking to thin air.
- Self Harm.
- High Energy.
- Fatigue, decreased energy/lethargic.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Incongruent* responses
(* not in agreement/conflicting) - Paranoia.
- Hallucinations
- Social Withdrawal.
- Drugs/alcohol
- Medical
Initial support to a person in Mental Health Crisis - should include what considerations?
(14 listed - name at least 8)
- Introduce yourself and explain why you are there.
- Explain ‘you’ are concerned with their safety.
- Ask if anything has happened to them, consider repeating this…
- Explain procedure.
- Be respectful.
- Give them space (for your safety!)
- Avoid radio communication within earshot of the person - be ‘tactful’
- Awareness of surroundings.
- Remember types of incident.
- Recognise agitation.
- Consider police powers and personal safety.
- Calm voice - consider repeating message.
- Reduce height (eye level).
- Don’t whisper.
Mental Illness can be categorised into 4 main areas (disorders) what are they?
Psychotic Disorders:
Persons ability to think clearly & make judgements (ie: schizophrenia/hallucinations)
Mood Disorders:
Concerns their emotional state.
Depression, Bi-Polar.
Personality Disorders:
Formed in childhood or adolescence. pattern of behaviour that causes problems coping with work life and interaction with others.
Anxiety Disorders:
Worry about every day things.
panic disorders such as palpitations, sweating, OCD.
How might you communicate with someone in Mental health Crisis?
(7+ points)
- Keep calm. (No ‘Blues & Twos’, Don’t shout).
- Personal space. (They may need more, they may not respect ‘mine’).
- Non threatening approach. (keep facial expressions & gestures to a minimum).
- Speak to them by name. (so they know you’re talking to them).
- Allow time for them to process information.
- Avoid sarcasm. (An autistic person may take what you say literally).
- Give direction in clear/simple manner. (maybe consider closed ‘yes/no’ questions)
What are the main pieces of legislation police
officers use when dealing with mental health or
vulnerability issues?
Mental Health Act 1983 [As amended by the Mental Health Act 2007 & Police & Crime Act 2017]
This is the Act that gives the police power to deal with those in MH Crisis.
Code of Practice (2015) – This shows professionals how to carry out their roles and
responsibilities under the MHA 1983, to ensure that all patients receive high quality
and safe care.
Mental Capacity Act 2005
The Code of Practice (2015) – This shows professionals how to carry out their roles and
responsibilities under the MHA 1983 - has 5 ‘new’* Guiding Principles.
What are they?
*2015!
• new chapters on care planning, human rights, equality and health inequalities
• consideration of when to use the Mental Health Act and when to use the Mental
Capacity Act 2005 and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and information to
support victims
• new sections on physical health care, blanket restrictions, duties to support
patients with dementia and immigration detainees
• significantly updated chapters on the appropriate use of restrictive interventions,
particularly seclusion and long-term segregation, police powers and places of
safety
• further guidance on how to support children and young people, those with a
learning disability or autism.
Outline the key points of s.136 mental Health Act.
S136 is an emergency power to resolve difficulties associated with a person
suffering mental health crisis in a public place.
Can’t be used in a dwelling.
(States:
“anywhere except a ‘house, flat or room’
where someone lives or any non communal ,’yard, garden, garage or
outhouse’ but includes railway lines, private vehicles, hospital wards, rooftops
of buildings, hotel rooms (if you are staying for a night or short term you can
use your powers under S136(1A) but not if it is longer term it is considered a
dwelling so you would not be able to use your S136 powers”)
What powers of entry should be considered when dealing with someone in mental health crisis?
Police can enter any location where S136 can be used, if necessary by force, to
find and remove a person.
(Where possible, the help of a person responsible for
that place to gain entry should be sought).
Note:
You may force entry (S136 (1B)) to any premises where S136 may be
utilised in order to do so.
This will be useful when S17 saving life and limb does not apply. i.e S136(1B) can be used where there are concerns
for someone’s welfare (but not quite as serious as S17 saving life and
limb) and there is a suggestion that someone is in immediate need of
care or control because of a mental disorder, the police can force entry
to private premises, other then dwellings, in order to exercise powers under S136.
Explain the basics of S136 of the Mental Health Act.
Police Officer Believes;
Person Suffering Mental Disorder.
Must appear to the officer to be in immediate need of care or control.
Must appear to the officer to be suffering from mental disorder.
Can be removed to a place of safety.
If they are in a place of safety they can be removed to another
place of safety.
What legislation would be used to search someone detained under section 136?
Persons detained under Section 136 are deemed to be in legal custody and can
be searched under Section 32, PACE 1984.
The police officer may search the
person at any time whilst the person is detained if they have reasonable ground
for believing that the person:
a) May present a danger to themselves or others and
b) Is concealing an item that could be used to cause physical injury
to themselves or others.
Before detaining someone under s.136 who should an officer seek advice from?
Under the amendment from the POLICE AND CRIME ACT 2017 there is now a requirement
for Police to Seek Health Advice Before Detaining Under S136 Mental Health Act
1983
Before deciding to remove a person to, or keep a person at, a place of safety
The police officer must, if it is practicable to do so, consult with-
• Doctor
• Nurse
• Approved Mental Health Professional
• A registered medical practitioner,
• Paramedic
• Occupational therapist.
The ‘power to remove’ under section 136 requires 3 conditions be fulfilled, what are they?
- The person must appear to the officer to be suffering from mental disorder.
- They must appear to the officer to be in immediate need of control.
- The officer must believe that they need removing in their own interests or for the protection of others.
(Basically: The officer must believe, the person or someone else, will suffer
some kind of harm if they do not take action to remove the person).
