Defining dangerous: Navigating mental illness and mental health courts

Present

The prior language of "dangerous conduct which may include 
threatening behavior or conduct that places that person or another 
individual in reasonable expectation of being harmed" has been 
replaced with "conduct placing such person or another in physical 
harm or in reasonable expectation of being physically harmed."

The language is also changed regarding someone who "because of the 
nature of his or her illness, is unable to understand his or her need 
for treatment and who, if not treated, is at risk of suffering or 
continuing to suffer mental deterioration or emotional 
deterioration." A three-pronged description now covers someone who 
"refuses treatment or is not adhering adequately to prescribed 
treatment, because of the nature of his or her illness is unable to 
understand his or her need for treatment, and if not treated on an 
inpatient basis is reasonably expected, based on his or her 
behavioral history, to suffer mental or emotional deterioration."

Gherardini is hoping mental health law will stay on the right track 
in the future.

"The improved legislation allows for earlier intervention. My hope is 
that no one will ever again be forced to deteriorate and suffer 
before being given the opportunity to receive treatment.  Early 
intervention and treatment works. It allows the person suffering from 
mental illness to lead a more normal life. Society needs to 
understand that having mental illness (a brain disease) is no 
different than having cancer, Parkinson's, or diabetes," Gherardini 
said. "It's something that you cannot help and medication can help. 
If we can get people to understand that and not be so ashamed the 
world will be a much better place."

http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=223098

www.peoplewho.org