Sectioning
The informal term for compulsory admission and detention under the Mental Health Act 1983. A patient may be 'sectioned' under s.2 (assessment, up to 28 days), s.3 (treatment, up to 6 months), or s.4 (emergency, 72 hours).
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983 allows a patient to be admitted to hospital and detained for assessment for a period not exceeding 28 days beginning with the day of admission, on an application founded on the written recommendations of two registered medical practitioners. Section 3 allows admission for treatment where the patient is suffering from a mental disorder of a nature or degree making it appropriate for them to receive treatment in hospital, it is necessary for their health or safety or for the protection of others, and appropriate medical treatment is available.
Colloquially, a patient detained under any of these provisions is described as having been 'sectioned'. A patient detained under section 2 for assessment can apply to the Mental Health Tribunal within the first 14 days of detention, while a patient detained under section 3 for treatment can apply at any time within the first 6 months of detention.
Related terms
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.