(1)The provisions of this Act shall have effect with respect to the reception, care and treatment of persons suffering, or appearing to be suffering, from mental disorder, to the management of their property and affairs, and to other related matters.
(2)In this Act—
“mental disorder” means mental illness [F1(including personality disorder)] or mental handicap however caused or manifested;
“mental impairment” means a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind not amounting to severe mental impairment which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning and is associated with abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct on the part of the person concerned; and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;
“severe mental impairment” means a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes severe impairment of intelligence and social functioning and is associated with abnormally aggressive or seriously irresponsible conduct on the part of the person concerned; and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;
and other expressions have the meanings assigned to them in section 125 of this Act.
(3)No person shall be treated under this Act as suffering from mental disorder by reason only of promiscuity or other immoral conduct, sexual deviancy or dependence on alcohol or drugs.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 1(2) inserted (13.9.1999) by 1999 asp 1, s. 3(1)(a)(2)