Sectioning:

Question 1

Outline the 3 main principles of the mental health act (1983):

Answer 1

• Must have a mental illness
• Best interest/protection of public (risk to self/others)
• Appropriate treatment available

Question 2

What do sections 135 and 136 entail?

Answer 2

For use by police.

135:

• Police from house
• Then taken for assessment by doctor
• Maximum 72 hours

136:

• Police from public place
• Then taken for assessment by doctor
• Maximum 72 hours

Question 3

What is section 2?

Answer 3

2:

• Performed by GP + psychiatrist
• Assessment
• Up to 28 days

Question 4

What is section 3?

Answer 4

3:
- Decided by psychiatrist + GP
- Long term treatment
- Up to 6 months (can renew)
(commonly section 2 progresses to section)

Question 5

What is section 4?

Answer 5

4:

• Emergency detention to get patient into hospital usually from home
• GP without approved social worker
• up to 72hrs

Question 6

What is section 5(2)?

Answer 6

5(2) (HOLDING):

• Doctor can hold patient in hospital
• Assessment to decide whether further detention is needed.
• Up to 72 hours

Question 7

What is section 5(4)?

Answer 7

5(4) (HOLDING):

• Nurse holds patient in hospital
• Used until a doctor in charge of treatment can make decision about whether to detain under 5(2)
• up to 6 hours