41O-Responding to the Mentally Ill 2019

Browse Search

41O-Handling the Mentally Ill Policy & Procedure Page 2 of 11 PROCEDURE A. Definitions 1. Bipolar: Also known as “manic-depressive illness,” the disorder causes extreme swings in a person’s moods, emotions and behaviors. In the “manic” state, these strong moods may include intense elation or irritability. In the “depression” state, a deep sadness or hopelessness is prevalent. Both are manifested in the “mixed state.” 2. Schizophrenia: A serious disorder, which affects how a person thinks, feels and acts. The illness is characterized by dramatic changes in behavior and thinking. Someone with schizophrenia may have difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is imaginary; may be unresponsive or withdrawn; and may have difficulty expressing normal emotions in social situations. The person suffering from schizophrenia may also become or display symptoms of paranoia. 3. Paranoid personality disorder: is a psychiatric diagnosis characterized by paranoia and a pervasive, long-standing suspiciousness and generalized mistrust of others. 4. Hallucinations: Perceptual experiences that are not actually occurring, such as hearing voices telling one to harm oneself. 5. Delusions: Fixed false beliefs about the self, such as: “Everyone is out to get me.” 6. Mental Illness: For purposes of admission to an inpatient facility under Section 12, “Mental Illness” means a substantial disorder of thought, mood, perception, orientation, or memory which grossly impairs judgment, behavior, and capacity to recognize reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life. Symptoms caused solely by alcohol or drug intake, organic brain damage or developmental disabilities do not constitute a serious mental illness. 7. “Likelihood of Serious Harm:” (1) a substantial risk of physical harm to the person himself as manifested by evidence of, threats of, or attempts at, suicide or serious bodily harm; (2) a substantial risk of physical harm to other persons as manifested by evidence of homicidal or other violent behavior or evidence that others are placed in reasonable fear of violent behavior and serious physical harm to them; or (3) a very substantial risk of physical impairment or injury to the person himself as manifested by evidence that such person’s judgment is so affected that he is unable to protect himself in the community and that reasonable provision for his protection is not available in the community. 8. Pink Slip or “Section 12”: Refers to an involuntary commitment to an emergency mental health facility pursuant to M.G.L c. 123 s. 12.