Citation

Zisman S, O'Brien A. Med. Sci. Law 2014; 55(3): 216-222.

Affiliation

St George's, University of London, UK aobrien@sgul.ac.uk.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, British Academy of Forensic Sciences, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0025802414538247

PMID

24966337

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 empowers police to remove a person they believe to be suffering from a mental disorder from a place to which the public have access, if they deem them a risk to themselves or others. In the UK, the number of Section 136 orders is increasing.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective cohort study identified the demographic profiles, circumstances of detention and assessment outcomes of all individuals detained under Section 136 between February 2012 and July 2012 at a London Mental Health Trust. The study explored the relationship between alcohol and/or drug use, the process and outcomes. DESIGN AND METHOD: This study retrospectively obtained data from electronic notes for a six-month period. Demographic details were recorded. Other variables included previous admissions, reasons for assessment, evidence of intoxication, time taken for assessment and discharge outcomes. The effects of alcohol and/or drug intoxication on the process were recorded.

RESULTS: A total of 245 individuals were assessed during the time period. Threatening to self-harm (n = 100, 44.8%) was the most common reason for assessment. Of the 245 patients assessed, 108 (44.1%) were found to be intoxicated with drugs and/or alcohol. Intoxication resulted in longer assessment times and a decreased likelihood of admission to hospital (p < .000).

Language: en