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Home  >  Friends and Family  >  Resolved Question
aileengein
Resolved Question
Can a psychiatrist force you into a mental place?
My niece is wanting to talk to a psychiatrist. She is worried that if she tells him she is incredibly paranoid or if she's done something illegal he can have her committed.
Posted 1 month ago
puck61
Best Answer
Yes but they have to have a certain title and they have to read you the miranda act. They're called CDMHP but I don't know what that stands for. They've done it to me, but they didn't put me in.
Posted 1 month ago
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RobertHedrock
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
Yes he can, if she is a danger to herself or others. But it's fairly unlikely and she would be discharged again as soon as she was better.
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ancientcelt
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
Under the UK, Mental Health Act 2007, a person can be sectioned , that is committed to a place of safety , if the public or themselves are considered in danger.

If your friend is, as you say paranoid, this would indicate she only thinks she is in need of psychiatric help.

If on the other hand she has any mental health concerns, a psychiatric assessment is strongly advised, and will not result in any form of committment, unless severely indicated.
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catwill
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:57AM
If you live in the UK its only if your a risk to yourself or others but they often leave people who need to be in hosital out
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wasmessedup
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
He can only have her committed if she is a threat to someone or a threat to herself
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GwennaJane
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
Yes. If the psychiatrist feels that she is a danger to herself or others. That is the only way though. Still, it's a bit scary isn't it. I mean, everyone feels somewhat suicidal at times, don't they? So, admitting that to a shrink is rather dangerous. I guess it comes down to trust. I sure wouldn't admit anything of the sort until I trusted them; and then I'd be very careful how I express it. Good luck!
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Samm199294
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
They can only, if the police is involved too, section someone if they are deemed 'A danger to themselves and/or others'....so, unless she's tried to kill someone or herself, then no....she should be alright...

Sammy Jo xx
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EricS
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
In theory, anyone can have anyone "committed". All you have to do is prove that they are a danger to themselves or other human beings. For example: Here in California it is a mandatory police hold of 72 hours and an evaluation by a doctor, or 5. Then, after that, the doctors (most cases) refer you to stay for 14 days voluntary, if you do not they will sign it to be mandatory. =) Been through the process myself. =)

But, just seeing a shrink wont get you committed. If she tells the doc that she is paranoid, she will get a script for meds in all likelihood. Hope that helps.
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Bob57
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
That is a weird point of view. A psychiatrist will help her, and do what is genuinely best for her. If the best thing for her is something drastic like that, then it is, and she'll be better off in retrospect. You should trust the people who work with this - they genuinely want the best for their clients.
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Ijit1
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
I THOUGHT THAT IF UNDER THE AGE OF 18 IN THE US. THE ONLY PEOPLE THAT COULD COMIT A CHILD WAS THE PARENTS --- UNLESS THEY ARE A SEVERE DANGER-- EXAMPLE.. ARRESTED FOR DANGEROUS ACTS TOWARDS OTHERS AND PUT IN JUVIE AND EVALUATED.. ??
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Socklord
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
If you are found mentally incompentent, and your parents are deemed unable to care for you, I think a case could be made. If you are an adult, I don't know. A court order does have some power. But remember. You can always get away. Or, better yet, act sane, and get away with it. Note: This may require jail time, so the looney bin may be preferable.
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ElLagarto
Posted Nov 17th, 2008 at 10:58AM
Yes. This is why you should always bring a mental detector with you to appointments.
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jinda
Posted Nov 16th, 2008 at 4:14AM
i dont believe he can...what the patient tells him is confidential and is bound by the hypocratic oath...or something like that and doctors must abide by its rules....he cannot reveal patients info to anyone
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WFSEMP
Posted Nov 16th, 2008 at 7:02AM
Why don't we all live and let live?
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levin60kitty
Posted Nov 16th, 2008 at 7:42AM
Robert said it - in the US there has to be a hearing after the psychiatrist has recommended the person be hospitalized. My wife tried to have me locked in an institution once. She was told that as long as I was not a danger to myself or the public the only one who could commit me was myself. My whole sin was that I act kind of weird sometimes - nothing frightening, just things like standing on a corner and giving away cold drinks and stuff like that. She is no longer my wife and I still act a little crazy.
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Micayla
Posted Nov 16th, 2008 at 9:20AM
A psychiatrist is a designated reporter, that is if one divulges information that seemingly can be construed as a danger to him/herself or others then they can be committed to a behavioral health treatment center. If one is trulycommittted to being honest an seeking help they can ask for voluntary committment
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