Abstract
Manifestation and Treatment of Mental Health in Nigeria: A Call for Responsive and Efficient Legislation in Compliance with Global Best Practices
Highlights
Health refers to “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”
Mental health legislations are important frameworks that provide a structure for the treatment of mentally ill persons, in cases that require hospitalisation
Where mental health legislation is comprehensive and contains detailed provisions regarding the process for voluntary and involuntary admission, voluntary and involuntary treatment and emergency detention, it reduces the risk of abuse to the mentally ill persons within its jurisdiction
Summary
Health refers to “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. Mental illnesses include a range of disorders such as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, trauma and stress-related disorders, personality disorders and psychotic disorders (Brandt, Dieterich, & Strupp, 2005). During the Middle Ages up until the 17th century, mentally ill persons were perceived to be witches or persons possessed by evil spirits/demons. They were either executed or burnt as witches, subjected to trephining (drilling of a hole in the skull to release the evil spirit) or exorcism (Roberts, 1987). The 17th century, referred to as the period of “The Great Confinement” in Europe, was characterised by the isolation and ostracism of mentally ill persons (Foucault, 2001). Many times, such persons were confined involuntarily, chained and sometimes dis-
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