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Mental Health what power does a psychiatrist have over someone in the UK ?

mydrugbuddy

mydrugbuddy

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For example, can he order someone to have ECT against their will ?

Statements like this scare me " Every society, including liberal Western society, permits compulsory treatment of mental patients."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipsychiatry

My Dr has refered me to a Psychiatrist. I dont think Im gonna go. I'll just tell her I suddenly feel much better. :|
 
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If a treatment is forced upon you in an OUTPATIENT setting, it could be considered batter. However in an inpatient setting that's a bit different.
 
Psychiatrists hold no power over anyone. You go to one of your own volition and undertake treatments you decide on. ECT (electroshock) isn't forced upon people any more, it's an extreme 'treatment' that is used pretty sparingly these days.

However, if a psych decides you are a danger to yourself or others, then they can intervene, putting you under an ITO (Involuntary Treatment Order) which (AFAIK) usually only involves a stay in a psych ward until they re-evaluate your condition.

Don't be scared about going to see a psychiatrist, it can be a very useful tool.

If you are in the UK, you can be forced to take meds under Sections Two, Three and Four of the Mental Health Act, you have to accept any medical advice or treatment that your doctor deems necessary. However, If they want to give you electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and you're unhappy with that, your doctor has a statutory/legal responsibility to obtain a second opinion from an independent Second Opinion Appointed Doctor who is appointed by the Mental Health Act Commission (known as a SOAD). If the second doctor says you should have the treatment, you are legally obliged to do so. If you haven't been sectioned and are an outpatient ot if you are a voluntary inpatient they you cannot be forced to accept medication of treatment. If however, you are a voluntary inpatient or an outpatient and the doctor deems it necessary for you to receive treatment against your will, he/she will have you sectioned.
Click to expand...

Read up on your rights when it comes to the Mental Health Act.
 
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fuck ECT that shit has scarred me for life ever since I saw Requiem.
 
thanks for the replies.

Yeah 'Requiem' and 'One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest' have probably made everyone terrified of psychiatrists.

I know Im very hesitant about taking up their 'services' despite several re-assurances that things are not as draconian any more.

One thing is for sure is that I've seen many people roaming the streets obviously very ill, in a far worse state than me with my occasional bouts of depression, paranoia, anxiety and shit like that.
 
Requiem for a Dream is Hollywood, they make everything dramatic. There was truth in that movie to be sure, but the depiction was over the top.
 
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