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On this page you will find some of the questions most commonly posed to
our Information Officer, with his replies. The most
frequently posed question of all is: What exactly is schizophrenia?
You can browse the questions or access
them through this list of keywords, which are repeated at the side of each
question and answer. A duplicate keyword in the list means that the topic appears
in more than one question and answer:
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Frequently asked questions
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community care assessment
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What is a community care assessment?
A social worker will visit and assess what care is needed and which services are necessary to
enable a person to stay at home.
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carer assessment
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Can I as a carer get an assessment of my needs?
Yes, if caring on a regular basis, when your relative or friend is being assessed.
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section
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What is a section?
This is a term used where a Section of the Mental Health(Scotland) Act 1984 is used for
compulsory detention of a person in hospital.
There are three categories: a 72 hour order (under Section 24 of the Act),
a 28 days order (under Section 26 of the Act), and a six months order
(under Section 18 of the Act).
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consent
section
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Do I, as the nearest relative, need to consent to an application for compulsory detention under
a section of the Mental Health(Scotland) Act?
No. Even if you agree that this is needed, you can refuse consent. The doctor should ask a
Mental
Health Officer from the local authority Social Work Department to agree to the section.
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section
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Can I, as a relative, oppose a section?
Yes. The doctor will then seek the consent of a Mental Health Officer who must agree,
otherwise the person cannot be detained.
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section
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Can the nearest relative ask for a review of the section?
Yes. This involves writing to the hospital saying you want the patient discharged. The doctor
must see the patient and put in writing that he or she still needs to be detained, if not the
patient can be discharged.
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section
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I am on a section. Will I have to stay in hospital all the time?
Not necessarily.
In some circumstances, a pass can be given for short periods, or 'leave of absence' to live outside the hospital
during the detention period.
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advocacy
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Can a patient appoint someone to speak up for them?
Yes. A 'patient's supporter' can be appointed who can attend planning meetings and
consultations. This can be a relative or friend. Some hospitals have an
independent advocacy service.
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consent
second opinion
treatment
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Can I refuse drug treatment?
Yes, after 3 months of compulsory treatment.
However, a second opinion may be sought by the doctor from another doctor,
and the treatment will continue if this doctor agrees that it is needed.
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consent
treatment
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Can a patient be treated without his/her consent?
Yes, if detained on the 28 day or 6 month sections, but only in an emergency for voluntary
patients or those detained for 72 hours.
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medication
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Various medications have been mentioned. Can I get more information about these?
Yes. Factual information is available from various sources, including NSF(Scotland).
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complaints
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How do I complain?
There are many ways of doing this and information about the different routes and sources of
help can be provided by NSF(S).
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access to records
confidentiality
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Can I see my medical notes?
Yes, or you can appoint someone else to see them. This applies to
written and computer records dated after November 1991. Some
of the notes can be withheld if it is believed that serious harm could
possibly be caused to the patient's health if he/she saw them.
Information does not have to be passed on to you if the other person could
be identified in your notes, unless this is a health professional involved
in your care.
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schizophrenia - definition
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What exactly is schizophrenia?
It's a mental illness affecting around one person in 100. The first symptoms
often develop in early adulthood, but may remain undiagnosed.
For some, the illness starts suddenly. Thoughts may become muddled and the
sufferer may experience hallucinations. For others, it develops gradually and
the person may show signs of withdrawal or self neglect.
Symptoms include:
- hallucinations
- delusions
- emotional blunting
- apathy
- speech difficulties
- thought disorders and strange behaviour
For more information, see our Carers Information Pack
and our page on treatment.
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second opinion
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Am I entitled to a second opinion on daignosis or treatment?
No. This can be requested of the consultant or G.P. but it is not a legal right.
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benefits
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I have heard that benefits are to be changed. Will this affect me?
We cannot say on an individual basis, but NSF(S) can provide
general information on proposals for change.
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