The experience of detention under the Mental Health Act (1983)

Authors:
McNALLY Carolyn, BEAIL Nigel, KELLETT Stephen
Journal article citation:
Advances in Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, 1(4), December 2007, pp.47-53.
Publisher:
Emerald

This study explored the experiences of detention under the Mental Health Act (1983) of people with learning disabilities. Seven semi-structured one-to-one interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Participants had mild learning disabilities and had been detained under the Mental Health Act in England for compulsory assessment and treatment within a two-year period prior to the study. A number of valuable insights emerged, including: the impact of perceived lack of control over self, experiences of vulnerability/powerlessness/victimisation (both prior to and following detention), participant's sense of care versus punishment; the development of 'role' within the mental health system and attribution of blame.

Subject terms:
learning disabilities, mental health problems, user views, compulsory detention, coping behaviour;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
England
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN print:
1753-0180

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