Confidentiality Question

[Katiee]

How does confidentiality change when you turn 18?

[musicmad123]

Well if you have been with CAMHS and move to adult servies, they won't necessarily share info with your parents anymore. it doesn't really change,just maybe the people they have to tell if you're in danger change.

[88shelz]

your parents dont have to be told any information about your health

[not_so_insig]

your parents dont have to be told any information about your health

That is correct, unless you are sectioned. Being sectioned means that the nearest relative would be told, and involved, which would automatically mean your parents (unless you had a partner).

If you are not sectioned, but you are in hospital, your parents will not be told unless you specifically want to. During the admission process to a psych unit you will have the opportunity to tell the nurses who you do not want disclosing any info too. I have always said my parents, who havent been told (to date) what my diagnosis is. They know I have mental health problems, just not what kind.

In a home (non hospital) environment, then regardless of whether you live with them or not, your parents will not be told. The only exceptions are if you do decide to tell them (and want the psych/social worker/CPN to tell them), or if they are considerably worried about you. Even then it is in exceptional circumstances, where they are worried about you or potentially someone else could be in danger. So if for example you were incredibly suicidal and decided to run off/generally be uncontactable, then they would probably disclose at that point. If however you were just SIing, then no they would not disclose anything to your parents.

I hope that answers your question.