A retrospective cohort study describing six months of admissions under Section 136 of the Mental Health Act; the problem of alcohol misuse

Abstract

Background Section 136 of the Mental Health Act 1983 empowers police to remove a person they believe to be suffering from a mental disorder from a place to which the public have access, if they deem them a risk to themselves or others. In the UK, the number of Section 136 orders is increasing. Objective This retrospective cohort study identified the demographic profiles, circumstances of detention and assessment outcomes of all individuals detained under Section 136 between February 2012 and July 2012 at a London Mental Health Trust. The study explored the relationship between alcohol and/or drug use, the process and outcomes. Design and method This study retrospectively obtained data from electronic notes for a six-month period. Demographic details were recorded. Other variables included previous admissions, reasons for assessment, evidence of intoxication, time taken for assessment and discharge outcomes. The effects of alcohol and/or drug intoxication on the process were recorded. Results A total of 245 individuals were assessed during the time period. Threatening to self-harm ( n = 100, 44.8%) was the most common reason for assessment. Of the 245 patients assessed, 108 (44.1%) were found to be intoxicated with drugs and/or alcohol. Intoxication resulted in longer assessment times and a decreased likelihood of admission to hospital (p < .000).