To think sectioning shouldn’t be done lightly

[User5022]

Eg used because an adult decided they didn’t want to rest of a treatment. I always assumed it had a really high threshold.

I am a psychiatrist with section 12/ responsible clinician status and regularly do mental health act assessments. It is never undertaken lightly.
An assessment requires two psychiatrists with section 12 approval (specific qualificiations), one of which is independent (non NHS doctor) and an approved mental health professional. A least restrictive option is always preferred.

If you really are a Section 12 psychiatrist then you need to renew your training. A section requires 2 medical assessments. One must be from a section 12 approved psychiatrist, the other can be from any other doctor, preferably the persons GP as they usually know them. There is no requirement for both doctors to be section 12 approved or that one is independent or non nhs. I cant imagine how long the process would take if we had to wait for independent non nhs doctors every time someone was sectioned. Getting a second opinion doctor out for treatment review is hard enough.

OP this whole situation must be so difficult. Unfortunately you cannot force her to engage and shes probably right that if she isn't a clear danger to herself right now she probably isn't sectionable. All you can do is be there for her, but please do try and access some carers support if it is available. Mental illness sucks from all those around the person suffering and I've seen far too many carers become unwell themselves from the stress of it all.

I’ve just realised that more of her medication than should be gone isn’t in the packet not many tablets are missing but a few.