Advocate
Someone who argues your case for you and makes sure the correct
procedures are followed is called an advocate. Advocacy services
have different ways of describing what they do, but their main role
is to help you when you need it. If you have had difficulties with
benefits or services, for instance, you may find that an advocate
can help solve these problems.
Antipsychotic
Medications that are usually used to treat psychosis. Sometimes
they are used to treat other conditions.
Approved Mental Health Professional (AMPH)
Approved mental health professionals may be social workers or a
range of other professionals. Under the Mental Health Act, they're
involved in deciding whether compulsory admission to hospital is
necessary, and what the alternatives may be.
Art therapy
Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses art media as
its primary mode of communication.
Assertive Outreach Team
Assertive Outreach works specifically with people who have been
involved with mental health services and who, for various reasons
may find it difficult to engage.
Biomarker
A biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or
tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a
condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the
body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. Biomarkers
can be used to detect and chart the progression of an illness or
its response to treatment. They are detected and measured using a
variety of methods that may include physical examination,
biochemical laboratory tests or medical imaging.
Caldicott Guardian
A Caldicott Guardian is a senior person responsible for
protecting the confidentiality of patient and service-user
information and enabling appropriate information-sharing. The
Guardian plays a key role in ensuring that the NHS, Councils with
Social Sevices responsibilities and partner organisations satisfy
the highest practicable standards for handling patient identifiable
information.
Care Co-ordinator
The person who is responsible for making sure that your care is
properly planned and you get the help you need. They will usually
work with a community mental health team and will be the person you
see most often. They will usually be a Community Psychiatric Nurse,
Social Worker or Occupational Therapist.
Care plan
A plan for your care over the next few weeks or months. It
should be written down and you should have a copy. If you think it
is wrong, or something is missing, you can ask for it to be
changed.
Care Programme Approach (CPA)
Mental healthcare for people with severe mental health problems
is coordinated under a Care Programme Approach (CPA). The CPA lets
mental health professionals assess a patient's needs and draw up a
care plan for them. A care co-ordinator (also known as a key
worker) is appointed under the CPA to ensure that the care plan is
put in place and that the care plan is meeting the patient's
needs.
Carer
A carer is anybody who looks after a family member, partner or
friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty or
disability. All the care they give is unpaid.
Clinician
A clinician is someone who provides care and treatment to
patients, such as a nurse, psychiatrist or psychologist.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that
aims to help you manage your problems by changing how you think and
act.
Community Mental Health Team (CMHT)
Community mental health teams can be made up of several
different professionals, including social workers, community mental
health nurses, occupational therapists, psychologists and
counsellors. They provide regular support or emergency intervention
for people living in the community (with family, friends or in
supported accommodation).
Community Psychiatric Nurse (CPN)
These are registered nurses who are trained in mental health and
can give long-term support to those living in the community.
They're also able to give some types of medication.
Consultant Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who specialise in
mental health problems. They have overall responsibility for
diagnosing a mental heath condition and prescribing treatment. They
may work in hospitals or community mental health centres, and they
work closely with other professionals, such as GPs, psychologists
and social workers.
Crisis resolution
Crisis resolution teams (CRTs) treat people with serious mental
health conditions who are currently experiencing an acute and
severe psychiatric crisis which, without the involvement of the
CRT, would require hospitalisation. Psychotic episodes, or suicide
attempts, are examples of acute psychiatric crises.
Dual diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is a term that refers to patients who have both a
mental health condition and a substance substance misuse
problem.
Early intervention
A way of picking up the early signs of a serious mental illness.
This is so that treatment can start as early as possible to help
people to maintain their mental health.
Formal patient
A person who is legally kept in hospital under a section of The
Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) (often called "a section").
Group Psychotherapy (Group Analytic Psychotherapy)
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a small,
carefully selected group of individuals meets regularly with a
therapist. The purpose of group therapy is to assist each
individual in emotional growth and personal problem solving.
Informal patient
Someone who is in hospital because they want to be - or at least
feel that it could be helpful for them. Someone who is not detained
under the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA).
Inpatient
Someone who stays in hospital to receive care and treatment.
Keyworker (Also referred to as a Named Nurse or Primary
Nurse)
A ward nurse who, individually or as part of a small team, is
responsible for making sure you have a care plan, and who may be
asked to write reports about your progress, for example if you
appeal to the Mental Health Review Tribunal. If your keyworker is
not available, because they work shifts, including night duty and
weekends, you can get help from any of the staff on the ward.
Local Involvement Networks (LINks)
LINks are made up of individuals and community groups, such as
faith groups and residents' associations, working together to
improve health and social care services.
Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA)
The legal framework governing the treatment of people with
mental illness in England and Wales.
Mental Health Tribunal
These are independent bodies that make decisions when a patient,
or someone on their behalf, has applied for their discharge from
hospital. When making their decision, the tribunal is required to
balance the freedom of the individual with the protection of the
public and the best interests of the patient.
Multi-disciplinary team
A team of health and social care staff. It includes
professionals such as nurses, doctors, social workers,
psychologists and benefits workers. It can also include service
users and non-professionals in certain jobs.
Named nurse
The nurse with special responsibility for you when you are in
hospital. He/she will work closely with you and your consultant to
design your care plan and review its progress. Also known as a
primary nurse.
Occupational Therapist (OT)
Occupational therapists help people of all ages who have
physical, psychological or social problems as a result of accident,
illness or ageing to do the things they want to do. These could be
daily activities that many of us take for granted, from grocery
shopping or brushing their teeth, to more complex activities such
as caring for children, succeeding in studies or work, or
maintaining a healthy social life.
Outpatient
Someone who comes to hospital for an appointment to see a
doctor, nurse, social worker or psychologist.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
A service which can give telephone help, advice and information
about the services we provide. View more information about the PALS service.
Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are qualified medical doctors who have done
further training in treating mental health conditions.
Psychiatrists are not just based in hospitals, but can have close
links with GP's surgeries and community mental health centres.
Psychological therapies
Psychological therapies are treatments that involve discussion
of thoughts, feelings and emotions with a trained professional. The
aim of all psychological therapies is to improve people's ability
to regulate their thoughts and emotions.
Psychologist
Clinical psychologists are healthcare professionals who
specialise in the assessment and treatment of mental health
conditions. They often work in combination with other mental health
care professionals as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Psychotherapist
Psychotherapists have a similar role to counsellors, but they
usually have more extensive training, and are also often qualified
psychologists or psychiatrists. Psychotherapy tends to be a longer
and more intense process than counselling.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a type of talking therapy that can often prove
useful in treating emotional problems and mental health conditions
such as: depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Restriction Order
Another term for Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA)
(the law in England that controls what services can do when they
are trying to assess or treat someone against their will). A
Restriction Order means the Secretary of State decides when you can
leave hospital.
Section 2
A Section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will. This Section lasts for
up to 28 days. Two doctors and an Approved Mental Health
Professional decide when someone is put on Section 2. While on a
Section 2 a senior doctor known as a Responsible Clinician will be
in charge of your care and treatment.
Section 3
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will. This lasts for up to
six months. Two doctors and an Approved Mental Health Professional
decide when someone is put on Section 3. While on Section 3 a
senior doctor called a Responsible Clinician will be in charge of
your care and treatment.
Section 4
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If you were brought to hospital under Section 4 it means the
Approved Mental Health Professional assessing you was very
concerned about you and needed to act quickly. Section 4 means only
one doctor saw you. Section 4 only lasts for up to 72 hours and is
usually followed by Section 2 or Section 3.
Section 4
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If you came into hospital without being on a Section you were an
'informal' or 'voluntary' patient. If you wanted to leave and this
was not considered appropriate the decision was made to assess you
under Section 2 or Section 3.
It takes time to carry out an assessment and sometimes a person
is placed under Section 5(2) to stop them leaving. Section 5(2) is
done by one doctor and only lasts up to 72 hours. It is sometimes
called a holding power. During the 72 hours you were assessed for
Section 2 or 3.
Section 5(4)
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If a doctor was not available to use Section 5(2) a nurse may
have stopped you leaving by placing you under Section 5(4). This
section only lasts up to six hours and ends when a doctor comes to
see you.
Section 5(4)
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
A small number of people are brought to hospital under Section
136. This is a power which a police officer can use if you were in
a public place and that police officer had concerns about you.
Section 35
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If you are under a Section 35 it is because a court of law has
decided that in considering your case it would be of benefit for
you to spend time in hospital so that your mental health needs can
be assessed. A Section 35 lasts for up to 28 days and can be
extended but never for more than 12 weeks in total. During your
time under this section the senior doctor on the ward will decide
whether you have a serious mental health problem or not. In all
cases you will need to go back to court.
Section 36
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If you are under a Section 36 it is because the Crown Court
which is dealing with your case believes you need treatment for a
serious mental health problem. A Section 36 lasts for up to 28 days
and can be extended but never for more than 12 weeks in total.
During the time under Section 36 the senior doctor on the ward will
provide treatment for you. In all cases you will need to go back to
court.
Section 37 (without restrictions)
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If you are under a Section 37 it is because a court of law has
considered your case. Rather than send you to prison the court (on
the advice of two doctors) decided that you would benefit from
going to a hospital to receive treatment for a serious mental
health problem. Section 37 usually lasts for up to six months.
Section 38
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If you are under a Section 38 it means that a court of law has
convicted you of a particular offence but has not yet passed
sentence on you. The reason for the delay is because two doctors
have advised the court that time in hospital is needed to treat
your serious mental health problem. This section lasts for up to 28
days but can be extended but never for more than a year in
total.
Section 37/41(with restrictions)
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If you are under a Section 37/41 it means that crown court has
considered your case. Rather than send you to prison the court (on
the advice of two doctors) decided that you would benefit from
going to a hospital to receive treatment for a serious mental
health problem. Section 37 deals with treatment of your mental
health problem. Section 41 (often called a Restriction Order) means
the Secretary of State decides when you can leave hospital.
Section 47
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If you are under a Section 47 it means that you are a sentenced
prisoner. On the advice of two doctors the Secretary of State
decided that you needed to spend time in hospital to have treatment
for a serious mental health problem.
Section 48
A section of the Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) - the law in
England that controls what services can do when they are trying to
assess or treat someone against their will.
If you are under a Section 48 it means that you are a prisoner
waiting to be sentenced. On the advice of two doctors the Secretary
of State decided that you needed to spend time in hospital to have
treatment for a serious mental health problem. In most cases you
will return to court for final sentencing. Most people under
Section 48 are also under section 49.
Service user
Someone who uses mental health services, or who has done so in
the past. Also sometimes referred to as clients or patients.
Social Worker
A professional who can help you with practical aspects of life,
and who will often also have had training in psychological help.
They work closely together with other organisations that are also
able to provide you with help.
Talking therapy / treatment
There are a number of different types of talking therapies. Each
type aims to help people deal with negative thoughts and feelings,
and enables them to make positive changes.
Ward manager
The senior nurse in charge of running a hospital ward.