Knowledge in the Hope of Protecting M.E. Sufferers from Unnecessary Sectioning

Here is a concise summary of the document:

• Background:
  • The document aims to prevent unnecessary sectioning of individuals with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), emphasizing that M.E. is a neurological, biomedical illness, not a mental health condition.
• Preventive Measures:
  • Maintain good relations with your GP and ensure they understand M.E. as a biomedical illness.
  • Educate key figures (GPs, family, police, psychiatrists) about your medical condition and support network.
  • Have a solicitor prepared who understands the unjust nature of unnecessary sectioning.
• Sectioning Process:
  • Typically initiated by a GP, family member, police officer, or psychiatrist concerned about a person’s mental health.
  • Authorised by two doctors and an Approved Mental Health Professional, often including the patient’s GP.
  • Can be highly subjective and misunderstood in relation to M.E.
• Risks to M.E. Sufferers:
  • M.E. is wrongly perceived by some as a mental illness despite its classification by the World Health Organisation as neurological.
  • Sectioned patients may be pressured to undergo treatments like Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which can worsen their symptoms.
• Legal Rights:
  • Patients can refuse treatments such as GET and CBT, as they are not legally enforceable under NICE guidelines.
  • The NHS constitution guarantees the right to appropriate, personalized care and treatment.
• In Case of Sectioning:
  • Prepare a mobile phone and charger beforehand for emergency communication.
  • Appeal the sectioning through a Tribunal, with free legal representation available.
  • Nearest relatives can apply for discharge, or a patient may appoint someone via court if needed.
• Additional Considerations:
  • Dysphagia and food sensitivities are physical symptoms of M.E., not signs of anorexia or mental illness.
  • Children with M.E. may face misdiagnoses, including Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII), leading to unjust child protection threats.
• Legal Resources:
  • Free legal aid and advocacy support are available through organizations like Citizen’s Advice Bureau and LawWorks.
  • Lawyers with expertise in M.E. cases are listed for reference.
• Documented Cases:
  • Harmful outcomes from unnecessary sectioning include forced treatments, isolation, and deterioration in health.
  • Positive outcomes are rare but can involve basic needs like regular meals.