Mental Health Flashcards
What is a mental disorder?
Any disorder or disability of the mind
Determined by relevant professionals in accordance with good clinical practice and accepted standards
Can you detain someone who seems mentally unwell?
Under the MHA you can detain a person for assessment of a mental disorder for maximum 28 days (section 2) and, if a diagnosis has been made, to be detained for treatment (section 3)
Does the MHA section 2/3 apply to all people with a learning disability?
If a person has a learning disability and no other form of mental health disorder then no
Unless their learning disability is accompanied by abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct (which is related tot he learning disability and not other factors)
When can someone be detained under section 3 for treatment?
When:
-The person is suffering from a mental disorder of a nature of degree which warrants detention
-Appropriate medical treatment is available
-Detention is necessary for the health and safety of the person detained or for the protection of others
-Treatment cannon be provided unless detained
Treatment must be ‘part of, or ancillary to, treatment for mental disorder’
What does medical treatment of mental health disorders include?
Nursing
Psychological intervention
Rehabilitation
Given for the purpose of alleviating or preventing a worsening of a mental disorder/one of its symptoms
What is the justification for providing NG feeding to anorexia patients without their consent?
Anorexia is ‘a disorder or disability of the mind’ and appropriate medical treatment is necessary for her own health and safety. She is refusing treatment so needs an admission under section 3 of the MHA
NG feeding treats the physical manifestations of the mental health disorder, maintains and improves physical health enough to allow them to gain cognitive ability to participate in psychological therapies
If no feeding is given, she may die, sanctity of life?
But gives autonomy
What is the difference between self harm and attempted suicide?
Self harm: no desire to die
Usually 12-25yr olds
Indication of underlying mental illness or emotional instability
A maladaptive coping mechanism
Physical pain is easier to deal with than emotional distress
eg: cutting, scratching, burning, scalding, ingestion of toxic substances
Is covert medication ever justifiable?
Yes in patients that lack capacity, and it is in their best interests
May be the ‘least restrictive’ way to administer drugs in patients who lack capacity
However in patients with capacity, it fails to respect autonomy
What are the benefits of disclosing that someone is taking covert medication for their mental health?
- Maximises autonomy
- Allows opportunity for better treatment after reassessment by mental health specialist
- Side effects could be monitored better
- Stops the chance of her discovering the covert medication and compromising the relationship with the doctor
- Allows professional integrity for the doctor
What are the harms of disclosing that someone is taking covert medication for their mental health?
- Disclosure may lead to refusal of medication with detrimental consequences to Doris’ mental state and possible risk to others
- May put the medical practice and care home in conflict with services and lead to distrust from other families/residents
- The upset and disruption of a situation that is managed at present
Under what circumstances can a person with capacity to consent for a
particular treatment be treated without their consent?
You can’t treat someone for a physical condition against their wishes under the MHA.
Unless it is an ancillary treatment, necessary to be able to treat the mental disorder. Eg refeeding in anorexia nervosa
