2006-09-09 16:13:39 · 8 answers · asked by catzrme 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
In the USA and Canada there are laws which do not allow anyone to be committed permanently to a mental institution without legal review and medical proof and review. Families have no role in it anymore.
Most hospitalizations for mental illness are short, and as soon as possible they are discharged to community based care.
State Hospitals/Mental Health Institutions are for those who cannot function in society with maximum support. These are the most seriously mentally ill. Most can be supported in the community or with frequent short hospitalizations.
Those who cannot manage in life, and are a persistant danger to themselves or others are put in longterm care. The hope is always for recovery sufficient to discharge.
Those who are committed longterm against their will are those who have been deemed criminally insane, or have committed crimes.
Before Ronald Reagan there were a lot of institutional beds available for psychiatric treatment of people who needed it. This was a good thing. Reagan closed them all down and put them out on the streets. That is why you see many homeless 'crazy' people. There is no where for them to live with their disability.
Hope that answers your questions.
2006-09-09 18:48:34 · answer #1 · answered by Tempest88 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Not really sure but back in the old days if a parent wanted it done then it got done.They would tell the hospital a story & that would be the end of it today I guess you would have to be a danger to society & yourself.I see patients in group homes all the time parents leave them there cause they don't want 2 be bothered with them & in reality their stuck their 4 life not unless a family member wants them.I've seen patients die in these homes & no one cares the group home doesn't care cause they get paid good per patient & that's truly sad.
2006-09-09 23:20:22 · answer #2 · answered by sugarbdp1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been told that all it takes in some cases is for the family of the person to say that they are unable to live outside an institution because of their mental condition. I have no idea how accurate this is, however. (I really hope it isn't true -- my mother wants me locked up because I won't have babies and give her more grandchildren.)
2006-09-10 01:09:59 · answer #3 · answered by Red 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they are proven to be 1) legally insane or unfit to defend themselves, 2) clinically fit the definition of mentally diseased and/or incompetent, 3) a danger to themselves or others, 4) and chronically show an inability to improve through therapy and/or medications.
My sister is in a mental health facility. She fits all of the categories above. Unless she improves through therapy and medication, she'll be in there for the rest of her life. She's already proven she can't take care of herself or her children. It's a tragic thing to witness a loved one go through this. But it's far better for her to be in that controlled environment than it is for her to be out on her own. She needs to be taken care of, and none in my family is qualified to deal with her special needs. : (
2006-09-09 23:25:23 · answer #4 · answered by Jen 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you say to the docorts or you basically just tell someone your phscally goona harm yourself then theyll put you away......
2006-09-09 23:37:25 · answer #5 · answered by angel74 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A court order, for sure.
2006-09-10 00:59:40 · answer #6 · answered by Kitty L 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
when they are proven to be a danger to others and or themselves and cannot be controlled by meds.
2006-09-09 23:15:54 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
star hit it on the head.
2006-09-09 23:19:10 · answer #8 · answered by lifetimefamily 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋