From The Guardian: “Fewer people with ‘mental illnesses’ would endure the trauma of being sectioned if advance choice documents – setting out a treatment plan while they are well – were included in Mental Health Act reforms, a leading psychiatrist has said.

Advance choice documents are the only proven way to reduce the number of people detained under the Mental Health Act in England and Wales, which is one of the reforms’ core objectives, said Dr Lade Smith, the president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Research suggests that the use of these documents can reduce compulsory detention rates in psychiatric units, often known as sectioning, by 25%, minimising traumatic experiences for people with ‘bipolar,’ ‘schizophrenia’ and other ‘psychotic illnesses.’

‘It’s high time there was reform of the Mental Health Act because the rates of detention are increasing, especially for marginalised groups, those who are poor or from a minoritised ethnic community, especially black Caribbean … Advance choice docs were a recommendation of the review, I don’t know why they haven’t gone through,’ said Smith.

Advance choice documents are especially effective in reducing the significantly higher detention rates for black people with ‘mental illnesses,’ as they can help patients feel more autonomous and reduce unconscious bias.

The documents can also speed up and improve recovery, and reduce the time spent in hospital, which can have a negative impact on patients’ jobs, homes or relationships, said Smith.”

Article →

***

Back to Around the Web