The 'mentally disordered' provisions of the New South Wales Mental Health Act 1990: their ethical standing and effect on services.
OBJECTIVE
To consider whether the mentally disordered provisions of the NSW Mental Health Act 1990 can be ethically justified and whether any departure from the usual justification for compulsory care comes at a cost.


CONCLUSIONS
The shaky ethical standing of these provisions has encouraged mental health services in NSW to play a role in controlling unacceptable behaviour, even in the absence of mental illness. This places the Act in an exceptional position in comparison to other Western Mental Health Acts. It is causing increasing strain on services as well as having unforseen consequences on those detained.
Patfield
Martyn
M
Greater Western Area Health Services, Bloomfield Hospital, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia. martyn.patfield@mwahs.nsw.gov.au
D004995:Ethics, Professional; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000941:ethics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000458:organization & administration; D009517:New South Wales