Forensic Psychiatry (in England and Wales) Quiz

Answer: high security

There are three levels of secure hospital/unit: low, medium and high. Broadmoor is one of three high secure hospitals covering England and Wales. The others are Ashworth and Rampton.

Answer: M'Naghten

The ruling in the M'Naghten case in the 19th century established criteria for a finding of insanity that still apply in many jurisdictions to this day. It includes either not knowing what you were doing, or not knowing what you were doing was wrong.

Answer: long-acting injectible medication

Depot medication is used very often in forensic psychiatry, as it ensures that the patient is definitely getting their medication. It is usually given every two or three weeks.

Answer: law

Forensic comes from the Latin word forum, which was in Roman times a public gathering equivalent to a court. So forensic psychiatry is that branch of psychiatry dealing with the interface between mental health issues and legal issues (most often the assessment and treatment of mentally disordered offenders).

Answer: False

Visits will be regulated by strict policies and procedures, and may be cancelled or curtailed at times for reasons of security or because someone is very ill, but continued contact with loved ones is often a very important part of someone's recovery and rehabilitation.

Answer: an antipsychotic injection

Clopixol Acuphase is a form of antipsychotic injection that works more quickly than a depot injection and so is used in severe psychosis where there is a need for more rapid action (for example if the person is very behaviourally disturbed).

Answer: seclusion room

A seclusion room is a low-stimulation room, usually containing a mattress and little else, where a person who has become very disturbed can be put by themselves for a time and closely observed, so that they cannot harm themselves or others. In England and Wales we do not use straitjackets or any other form of physical restraints.

Answer: any of these

If the doctor does not agree to discharge you, you can apply to the hospital managers or to a Mental Health Review Tribunal for discharge. The managers or tribunal will hear evidence both from the hospital and from you/your lawyer in making their decision.

Answer: False

ECT is quite rarely used but can be lifesaving in some cases, especially in very severe depression. There is provision in the Mental Health Act for it to be given without the person's consent in an emergency.

Answer: Yes

One can be detained because of a mental illness, but also because of other mental disorders including learning disbility and personality disorder. The criteria are that you have a mental disorder, AND that you represent a risk to your own health or safety, or the safety of other people.