Mental Health Services - glossary of terms
The Mental Health legislation requires the Council to
use official terminology when writing or speaking about our work.
Some of the words we use can be difficult to understand and
this page explains their meaning. We want to constantly improve
this page, so if you come across a term that is not clear let us
know and we will include it here. You can find the contact details
on the right side and on the bottom of this page.
You can also view the easy read guide to The Mental Health Guide on
Scottish Government website or as a pdf document.
Glossary of Mental Health terms
Advance statement
When you write down how you would like to be treated if you
become ill in the future.
Appeal
Means you ask the court or the tribunal to change their
decision.
Compulsory treatment order
Means you can be kept in hospital initially for up to 6 months
to receive appropriate care and treatment. You have a right of
appeal.
Emergency detention certificate
You can be kept in hospital and given treatment for no more
than 3 days.
Guardian
Someone appointed by the court to make decisions for you if you
are unable to decide for yourself.
Legal aid
Means that you can get help to pay for a solicitor if you cannot
afford it. A solicitor should tell you how to apply for legal
aid.
Independent advocate
Someone who helps you say what you think about your treatment.
They are called 'independent' because they are not tied to other
services. Your doctor, hospital or social work department should
help you find an independent advocate.
Mental disorder
This is the word used in the law to describe someone who
has:
- a mental illness,
- a learning disability,
- a personality disorder.
Mental health officer
A specially trained social worker who helps people who have
a mental disorder. He/she should tell you about your rights and
make sure you get the care you need.
Mental Health Tribunal
The organisation that decides about the compulsory treatment of
people with mental disorder.
Mental Welfare Commission
The organisation that looks after those who need help because of
a mental disorder. They make sure all treatment follows the law.
You can speak to them at any time if you are unhappy about your
care and treatment.
Named person
Someone you choose to look out for you if you have to have
treatment. They help to make decisions about your care and
treatment.
Primary carer
The carer who gives you all or most of the care and support.
Short-term detention certificate
This means you can be kept in hospital and given compulsory
treatment for up to 28 days.
Voluntary patient
This is someone who agrees to have treatment for their mental
disorder.
Welfare attorney
Someone you choose to decide about your care and treatment if
you become ill and cannot decide for yourself.
Witness
Someone who checks and signs your advance statement.
CONTACT: Mental Health Services, communitycare@pkc.gov.uk
