In the past year, Scotland has witnessed a concerning increase in the number of individuals subjected to compulsory mental health care and treatment.
The new figures from the Mental Welfare Commission reveal that in the 2022-23 period, 6,713 people were detained for such treatment, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year.
This surge is consistent with a longer-term trend that has seen the number of detentions rise steadily since 2013-14 when the figure stood at 4,530.
The commission emphasizes that, ideally, every emergency detention under the Mental Health Act should involve a decision made by a doctor with the consent of a mental health officer, or a specialist social worker, unless impractical.
However, the data shows a concerning decline in the number of emergency detentions with this necessary consent, with fewer than 40% meeting this standard in the past year.
Furthermore, the report underscores a striking connection between deprivation and mental health issues, with a disproportionately high number of detentions affecting individuals from economically disadvantaged areas.
Over 38% of emergency detentions were linked to individuals from the 20% most deprived regions in Scotland, raising concerns about equitable access to mental health care and support.
Spotify Wrapped 2024 is Coming!
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes Unveils Support for Gaelic Language
Edinburgh Gin to Unveil New Distillery This December
The Leith Collective Launches Unique Annual Christmas Tree Exchange
Book Week Scotland Kicks Off This Week: Edinburgh's Top Events
Comments
Add a comment