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Original poster

Section 2 elderly brother what to expect from in patient experience

30 replies

limetrees32 · 02/03/2026 20:45

I suppose this is a silly question.
But wondering if anyone has any experience.
I'm worried he'll just be sedated and that his anxiety and depression won't be treated.

OP posts:
Original poster
limetrees32 · 03/03/2026 06:24

Thank you for your replies.
He's 78 and was waiting for assessment by CMHT.
He's become increasingly depressed, withdrawn since a SCA 6 years ago.
Excessively agitated complaining of itching and compulsion to access water to drink.
Partner took to A & E and he was sectioned .
V withdrawn , monosyllabic.
8 days in general hospital where he's been having lorazepam, but no ADs .
I realise this is ridiculous asking how he will be assessed and treated but I have zero experience of idea and I'm so worried about him.

OP posts:
JennieTheZebra · 02/03/2026 22:09

I’m an inpatient mental health nurse. What led to his admission in the first place? This will impact what medications he’s prescribed, what activities he takes part in and, ultimately, the length of stay. In terms of his past medication, in many places inpatient units can access GP notes (we use a system called CHIE to do this) or GP history will be requested. If he has had past community mental health team involvement they will use the same system as the impatient units.
Honestly, I would give the unit the ring and ask how he is is and about visiting. As long as he’s given consent to share, they will be happy to talk. Are you his nearest relative?

Weyoun14 · 02/03/2026 21:51

I'm no sure how aware the medics are about hisprevious use of ADs.

He should have had a handover from the community team when the Section papers were signed and the bed search began. If that's just the GP, then the GP should have provided a couple of years of history.

Will they try and encourage him to take part in any activities?

This will depend entirely on the hospital, but they'll have a weekly ward round and this will be shared with the family.

Original poster
limetrees32 · 02/03/2026 21:37

Thank you @Weyoun14 .
He was on ADs for about 5 years but his GP reduced and then stopped then altogether apart from mirtazapine at night .
He's been in a general hospital, waiting for a bed for a week but he's had no ADs in that period .
I'm no sure how aware the medics are about his
previous use of ADs.

Will they try and encourage him to take part in any activities?

OP posts:
Weyoun14 · 02/03/2026 21:24

Section 2 is a month-long assessment period. It's unlikely he'll be sedated, because they'll not get a good assessment zonked out.

The ideal situation is 28 days in hospital, and a new care plan in the community that will properly treat his depression and anxiety.