Sectioning

[Paul1503]

Hi

How do you go about sectioning someone who you think has tottally lost the plot.

Thanks

Paul

[natalie_1982]

If this is a serious question then you can't just section someone unless they prove to be a harm to either themselves or someone else.

A person can only be sectioned upon reccommendation by a mental health professional (psychiatrist, and you usually need two) upon referral from their GP or another professional like a police officer, teacher, social worker or street services officer (police can enforce a mental health assessment upon arrest which could result in sectioning but unlikely).

Try contacting your local CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) or Outreach at Social Services. Your local Mind Matters might also be helpful.

[Bewlay Bros]

If they are in public and acting in such a manner as likely to cause significant harm to themselves or others, the Police can arrest them. They will then be assessed by the force doctor (who is trained in Psychiatrics, though not a Psychiatrist) and will then, if found mad, will be placed in secure accomodation for a full psychiartic assessment.

Failing that, contact social services or local mental health dept and express your concerns. If they believe he or she is in need of immediate psychiatric treatment, they will visit them and if appropriate section them straight away.

If not, they may have to apply for a mental health warrant (or equivelent) and with the police assist in their removal to a local mental healht centre.

[Paul1503]

Sorry In a pickle, i was saying it out loud when i typed it, what i was meant to say was that alcohol is driving out all aspects of her life, i.e grankids, home, relationship with husband, she needs some support as my mum went down the same road and she was sectioned and i wanted to know if there was a way of sectioning her before she needs to be, she is no danger to society and some days she can be fine, but here is an alternative question, sectioning or rehab?

Thanks

Paul