What is the single definition of Mental Disorder brought in by the Act?
“Any disorder or disability of the mind.” The new definition is no wider than the current one, except that mental disorders considered to be “sexual deviancy” will no longer be excluded. Alcohol and drug dependence will continue to be excluded. In addition, the Act will no longer distinguish between different categories of mental disorder, so the same criteria apply regardless of diagnosis and no-one fails to get the treatment they need because they do not happen to fall within one of these categories. But the limitations on when certain powers can be used solely in respect of learning disability will be kept.
