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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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The use of Sections 2 and 3 of the Mental Health Act (1983) with older people
— a prospective study | | Author(s) | A McPherson, R G Jones |
| Journal title | Aging & Mental Health, vol 7, no 2, March 2003 |
| Pages | pp 153-157 |
| Source | http://www.tandfonline.com |
| Keywords | Mental disorder ; Dementia ; Law ; Evaluation. |
| Annotation | The use of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) is under scrutiny with older people, especially in those with dementia and other organic mental disorder. Whilst research into use of the MHA with this group has been sparse, the small body of existing research suggests that the Act is applied differently with older people (i.e. those aged 65+). This multi-centre study identified all the MHA assessments conducted over a prospective 3-month period, and obtained detailed data on the circumstances behind assessment. The findings highlighted that older people assessed under the Act tend to exhibit different behaviour patterns, circumstances and core characteristics to those under 65. Older people were more likely to be detained because of self neglect and physical illness, and also more often had a diagnosis of an organic mental disorder. Younger people were more likely to be judged as a risk to other people. Risk of suicide was particularly highlighted in the under 65 age group. Implications for legislative reform are discussed. (RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-030806208 A |
| Classmark | E: EA: VR: 4C |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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