Psychiatry: The Mental Health Act Flashcards
Define mental disorder
“Any disorder or disability of the mind”
Can include learning disabilities if they make you act in any way which may seem “abnormally aggressive” or “seriously irresponsible”.
What is a section 12 approved doctor?
A doctor trained and qualified in the use of the Mental Health Act 1983. They are usually a psychiatrist.
What is an approved mental health professional (AMHP)?
Mental health professionals who have been approved by a local social services authority to carry out certain duties under the Mental Health Act.
- They are responsible for coordinating your assessment and admission to hospital if you are sectioned.
- They may be: social workers, nurses, OTs, psychologists
What are the principles of the mental health act?
9
- Respect for patients past and present wishes
- Respect for diversity
- Minimise restrictions on liberty
- Involvement of patient in planning, delivery and development of care and treatment appropriate to them
- Avoidance of unlawful discrimination
- Effectiveness of treatment
- Views of careers and other interested parties
- Patient wellbeing and safety
- Public safety
What is Section 2? Duration Purpose People involved Evidence required
Duration: 28 days. Can NOT be renewed.
Purpose: Assessment
People: 2 Doctors (one S12), 1 AMHP
Evidence:
(a) Patient is suffering from a mental disorder of nature/degree that warrants detention for assessment
(b) Patient is a risk to own safety or safety of others
What is Section 3? Duration Purpose People involved Evidence required
Duration: 6 months, 6 months, 1 year Purpose: Treatment People: 2 Doctors, 1 AMHP Evidence: (a) Suffering from mental disorder (b) Treatment is in their best interests (c) Appropriate treatment is available
What is Section 4? Where Duration Purpose People involved Evidence required
Where: Mainly in the community Duration: 72 hours Purpose: Used in URGENT necessity when waiting for another doctor would lead to undesirable delay People: 1 Doctor, 1 AMHP Evidence: (a) Suffering from a mental disorder (b) Risk to own/others safety (c) Not enough time for 2nd doctor to attend
What is Section 5(2)? Where Who Duration People Purpose
What? DOCTOR’S HOLDING
Where: Psychiatric (Junior Doctor+) or General hospital (consultant/deputy). Can NOT use in A&E as not admitted yet.
Who: Already ADMITTED and wanting to leave
Duration: 72 hours. Can be discharged or new section implemented.
People: 1 Doctor
Purpose: Allows time for Section 2 or 3 assessment. Can NOT be coercively treated.
What is Section 5(4)? Where Who Duration People Purpose
What? NURSES HOLDING
Where: Psychiatric or General hospital
Who: Already ADMITTED and wanting to leave
Duration: 6 hours. Can be discharged or new section implemented.
People: 1 Nurse
Purpose: Allows time for a doctor to attend. Can NOT be coercively treated.
What is section 135/136?
Who
S135
S136
Who: POLICE sections
S135: Needs court order to access patients HOME and remove them to place of safety (police cell or local psychiatric unit)
S136: Person suspected of having a mental disorder in a PUBLIC place is moved to a place of safety.
May need further assessment –> Section 2/3
