The Mental health Act 1983

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Advantages

  • act prevents an individual from harming themselves or other by allowing a compulsory section order
  • act protects people who lose the ability to make decisions for themselves
  • systems are in place to ensure accountability of those who are making decisions as checks are made by independent bodies
  • Treatment cannot be forced on an individual unless their mental illness is so severe that the opinions of other specialists support such a decision
  • Very careful procedures are followed when admitting an individual against their will to make sure their rights are safeguarded

Disadvantages

  • Consideration isn't given to new forms of community care that are available
  • The law states that everyone should make their own decisions for as long as they are able to do so. This means that on some occasions long periods of time elapse before any action is taken
  • The act doesn't take into account an individuals human rights. This means that values that are held by the individual are not considered and that human right under European law are not applied
  • A compulsory detention or section order can cause a person to feel that they have a stigma after they have had a compulsory detention order

Evaluation

* Clearly sets out the circumstances with a person who has a mental disorder -> can be treated without consent
* Stigma is attached to people with mental problems/illnesses
* The law allows people to be detained in psychiatric hospitals against their will

Comments

Sam Morran

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A good resource with advantages and disadvantages.  I like the evaluation at the end too.