Mental Health Act 1983
This section provides information about detention under the Mental Health Act. This includes the criteria for detention or ‘sectioning’, information about different sections and the rights of someone who has been detained.
- The Mental Health Act is the law under which someone can be admitted, detained and treated in hospital against their wishes.
- To be detained or ‘sectioned’ someone must be suffering from a mental disorder which requires assessment or treatment and this needs to be given in hospital in the interests of their own health or safety or to protect other people.
- There are different sections of the Mental Health Act that have different purposes.
- Anyone detained must be told their rights, including the right to appeal and the right to the assistance of an advocate.
- Someone can be given treatment such as medication, against their will whilst under section.
- When someone is discharged from hospital they should receive aftercare. For some people this might be free aftercare under Section 117.
These pages are created by Rethink Mental Illness' Advice and Information Service in accordance with the Information Standard. Last reviewed in February 2012. Next review February 2014.
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