Personality disorder and the Mental Health Act 1983 (amended)

Abstract

SummaryThe Mental Health Act 1983 now incorporates amendments introduced in 2007. This article explores features of the amended Act that affect the treatment of patients with personality disorder in England and Wales. It discusses issues such as the broad definition of mental disorder, treatability and professional roles, with specific reference to how they might, or might not, affect usual practice concerning patients with personality disorder. It also comments on elements within the Act that could positively affect people with personality disorder, such as community treatment orders, provision to change their ‘nearest relative’ and statutory advocacy services. The political climate in which the Act has been amended is commented on, as well as how this might potentially compromise some of the positives within the Act.