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Abstract
There are concerns that urgent treatment under section 62 of the Mental Health Act 1983 is being used increasingly because of delays in getting a second opinion. It is therefore of paramount importance that section 62 is used and recorded appropriately. The Mental Health Act code of practice recommends that it should be the approved clinician in charge of treatment who decides what treatment is appropriate and completes the form.
The authors of this article surveyed trainee and consultant psychiatrists to ascertain their understanding of urgent treatment. Results showed the authorisation of urgent treatment was inconsistent and there was ambiguity about who should complete a section 62 form. These uncertainties highlight the need for a national standardised form.