The Mental Health Act (1983) Flashcards
What is The Mental Health Act (MHA) (1983)?
The Mental Health Act (MHA) (1983, amended in 2007) is the law in England and Wales that allows people with a ‘mental disorder’ to be sectioned i.e. admitted to hospital, detained and treated without their consent- either for their own health and safety, or for the protection of other people
Define a ‘mental disorder’
A mental disorder is defined as any disorder or disability of the mind. It includes mental illness, personality disorder, learning disability and disorders of sexual preference (e.g. paedophilia) but NOT dependence on alcohol or drugs.
Which patient groups is The MHA (1983) appropriate for?
This is used for individuals who will not consent to be admitted voluntarily or who lack capacity to consent to admission and treatment.
Patients who are only under the influence of alcohol or drugs are specifically excluded.
What are the most common sections of The MHA (1983)?
Sections 2 and 3 are the most common sections of the MHA that are used to admit people.
When should The MHA (1983) be used?
Refusal of voluntary treatment.
Other options have been considered but are not appropriate.
Mental disorder: the behaviour must be the result of a known or suspected mental disorder.
Harm (risk of): the person must be at significant risk of self-harm, self-neglect or harm to others.
Appropriate treatment: there must be an appropriate treatment option available to the patient.
Briefly recap the decisions to use The MHA (1983)
