Number of detained mental health patients trebles

The number of people compulsorily detained in psychiatric
hospitals in Scotland has tripled in the last 15 years, according
to the Scottish Association for Mental Health.

Compulsory detentions were just under 300 in 1985 and increased
steadily to the 2000–2001 high of over 1,000 patients.

SAMH and other mental health campaign organisations are
demanding that the Scottish executive carry out an inquiry into
this increase before new powers are introduced under the Mental
Health (Scotland) Bill.

The bill includes new powers to place people under community
orders which compel them to undergo treatment – a proposal
which is opposed by the majority of mental health welfare
organisations as unnecessary and ineffective.

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