Prevalence and experience of harassment of people with mental health problems living in the community

<i>Declaration</i> <i>of</i> <i>interest</i>: This study was funded by the Communities Fund and was the result of a partnership between the Nuffield Centre for Community Care Studies, University of Glasgow, the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland) and the Scottish users' network. <i>Background</i>: The levels and experiences of harassment of people with mental health problems in the community compared with those of the general population have not been explored. <i>Aims</i>: To measure the levels and experience of harassment experienced by people with mental health problems in the community in Scotland and compare them with the general population. <i>Method</i>: Experiences of harassment were collected by interviewing 165 individuals with mental health problems and a control group of 165 people from the general population. <i>Results</i>: Harassment in the community was found to be twice as common for individuals with mental health problems (41%) than for those in the general population (15%). The harassment commonly involved verbal abuse referring to the individual's mental health problems and was committed primarily by teenagers and neighbours. <i>Conclusions</i>: Harassment has a significantly higher prevalence among individuals with mental health problems living in the community and is believed to have a detrimental effect on mental health

The views of policy influencers and mental health officers concerning the Named Person provisions of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003

Background:The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 introduced the role of the Named Person, who can be nominated by service users to protect their interests if they become subject to compulsory measures and replaces the Nearest Relative. If no nomination is made, the primary carer or nearest relative is appointed the Named Person. The views of professionals involved in the development and implementation of the provisions were unknown. Aim:To describe the perceptions of mental health officers and policy makers involved in the development and implementation of the new provisions. Method:Sixteen professionals were interviewed to explore their perceptions of and experiences with the Named Person provisions. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results:Perceptions of the Named Person provisions were generally favourable but concerns were expressed over low uptake; service users' and carers' lack of understanding of the role; and potential conflict with human rights legislation over choice and information sharing. Conclusions:Legislation should be amended to allow the choice of no Named Person and the prevention of information being shared with the default appointed Named Person. Removal of the default appointment should be considered