Eating Disorders and the Mental Health Act 1983

Course Outline:

This course draws on a combination of legal principles, guidance and practical experience, as it follows the journey of a young person with anorexia nervosa through the psychiatric system. 

With a focus firmly on the law and legal theory surrounding each step of the admission and treatment process, delegates will further develop their own approach to their professional roles in assisting patients to recover and take responsibility for their own care and treatment.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Identify the core patient rights which must be considered at all times when supporting someone with an eating disorder
• Describe what the duty to take “reasonable steps” to protect life means within the context of eating disorders
• List the procedural safeguards which must be in place if someone is to be detained under the Mental Health Act 1983
• Apply the principle of autonomy and respect for “unwise decisions” made by patients, identify when a deprivation of liberty is taking place and apply the proper legal test for capacity to consent to in-patient psychiatric treatment
• Review the factors which must be considered both when assessing whether it is in the interests of a patient’s health or safety for them to be detained in hospital under section and whether detention in hospital is appropriate
• Understand the circumstances under which treatment without consent can be administer to a detained psychiatric patient