Mental Illness

Question 1

is a condition that impacts and disrupts a person’s thinking, feeling, and mood, and may affect the ability to relate to others or to function

Answer 1

Define mental illness.

Question 2

STIGMA

Answer 2

Mental illness has long been stigmatized by the general public and viewed as a private family matter. The mass de-institutionalization of patients from mental health care facilities in the 70s created an atmosphere in which family members were left to care for their loved ones unassisted and with limited external resources. Historically, law enforcement has not been prepared to deal with the mentally ill, and often carried on the stigma that society placed on the mentally ill. Family members became distrustful of law enforcement and summoned assistance only when absolutely
necessary. These extreme crisis situations often meant further victimization of the mentally ill individual in the criminal justice system

Question 3

HISTORY OF HANDLING THOSE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS

Answer 3

The attempts to understand and treat mental illness date back to Neolithic times when mental illness was believed to be a result of demons, witchcraft, or spirituality. Trephination was the first known procedure thought to cure mental illness by the release of evil
spirits through an opening in the skull. The procedure involved chipping a hole in the skull using stone instruments. Over centuries, advanced tools like skull saws were developed specifically for this purpose.

Question 4

MAJOR MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Answer 4

1. Anxiety Disorders-panic/phobias
2. Bipolar Disorder
3. Borderline Personality Disorder
4. Depression
5. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
6. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
7. Traumatic Brain Injury
8. Schizophrenia

Question 5

BEHAVIORAL INDICATORS

Answer 5

1. Giving away prized possessions or lack of judgment concerning finances
2. Engaging in impulsive or risky behavior
3. Expressing feelings of failure or inadequacy
4. Exhibiting unexplained losses of memory
5. Exhibiting confused behavior

Question 6

INTERVENTION CONSIDERATIONS

Answer 6

Officers should consider the totality of the circumstances and should not hesitate to take appropriate action if the situation warrants it, mental illness have at times exhibited great strength, always be aware of the potential for violence

Question 7

INTERVENTION AND DE-ESCALATION TECHNIQUES

Answer 7

a. Empathy
b. Supportive
c. Paraphrasing
d. Clarifying
e. Encourage Reflection
f. Observation and Feedback
g. Redirection or Leading

Question 8

Other Intervention/De-Escalation Techniques

Answer 8

a. Assess the situation promptly. If there are any indications that the person is entering
a crisis, intervene early.
b. Use the individual’s name.
c. Be polite when making statements or requests.
d. Maintain a calm demeanor and keep your voice low and calm.

Question 9

DISPOSITION CONSIDERATIONS

Answer 9

1. The department’s stated policy or procedure for handling mentally ill subjects.
2. The nature of the situation: Is the subject suicidal?
3. The severity of the individual’s behavior: Is there a threat of bodily harm or injury?
4. Has a probate court order of detention been issued, or commitment papers been done?
5. Responsibility and accountability

Question 10

Patients’ rights. SC Code of Laws SECTION 44-22-80 (1976). Unless a patient has been adjudicated incompetent, no patient may be denied the right to:

Answer 10

(1) dispose of property, real and personal;
(2) execute instruments;
(3) make purchases;
(4) enter into contractual relationships;
(5) hold a driver’s license;
(6) marry or divorce;
(7) be a qualified elector if otherwise qualified

Question 11

Emergency Protective Custody SC Code of Laws SECTION 44-13-05

Answer 11

if a law enforcement officer observes a person conducting himself in a manner that causes the law enforcement officer to reasonably believe that the person is mentally ill or is suffering from
chemical dependency and because of that condition poses a likelihood of serious harm to himself or others or if a criminal offense that carries a penalty of less than one year and that does not involve a victim who could seek a warrant for the person’s arrest has occurred, the law enforcement officer may take the person into protective custody and transport the person to the local mental health center

Question 12

Commitment Process and Detention Order SC Code of Laws SECTION 44-17-410

Answer 12

A person may be admitted to a public or private hospital, mental health clinic, or mental health facility for emergency admission upon:
(1) written affidavit under oath by a person stating
(2) a certification in triplicate by at least one licensed physician

Question 13

SC Code of Laws SECTION 44-17-430

Answer 13

If a person believed to be mentally ill and because of this condition likely to cause serious harm if not immediately hospitalized cannot be examined by at least one licensed physician pursuant to SC Code of Laws SECTION 44-17-410 because the person’s whereabouts are
unknown or for any other reason, the petitioner seeking commitment pursuant to SC Code of Laws SECTION 44-17-410 shall execute an affidavit stating a belief that the individual is mentally ill and because of this condition likely to cause serious harm if not hospitalized, the ground for this belief and that the usual procedure for the examination cannot be followed and the reason why

Question 14

COMMON DISORDERS THAT AFFECT MEMORY AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR RESPONSE

Answer 14

1. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (also known as the DSM)
2. Alzheimer’s

Question 15

DISORDERS COMMONLY DIAGNOSED DURING CHILDHOOD AND SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR RESPONSE

Answer 15

1. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
2. Autism Spectrum Disorder
3. Intellectual Disability