CTO's
 

What conditions does someone who is placed on a CTO have to be in? Do they have to be really unwell?

My feeling is any mh condition could potentially subject you to a CTO.

Yes you would have to be incredibly unwell because it only comes after you have been on a section 3. They don't section people lightly so only the sickest people who lack insight would be sectioned. They must be convinced that you are safe in the community but are liable not to take medication/treatment for them to consider it. If they don't think that you're safe in the community they would keep you in hospital.

Is it something that they are considering for you is that why you ask?

yes, I am going on a CTO in April.

I have been on (and still am) on a CTO for quite a few months and it's just been renewed until October of this year. I have found it helpful in helping my comply with things I need to e.g meds, groups etc when my motivation has been low, it also helps me get into hospital quickly if things slide and therefore more importantly get Out of hospital more quickly because things are more speedily adjusted/put in place at home to help me cope in the community.

I've gone from being a revolving door psych unit patient in there for months at a time to having I think only two admissions since CTO, neither lasting longer than 2 days and at least 1 being voluntary rather than section.

I haven't found it particularly restrictive and when I stopped complying with one of the conditions (working with a particular service) and explained why, and that it wasn't constructive I wasn't recalled to hospital, just met with the psychiatrist and had a chat and agreed that it was my decision.

Hi ,

CTOs are generally for those suffering a severe and enduring mental illness and serves as a tool to assist them in complying with treatment whilst living in the community.

Your doctor/CPN will write up a careplan with you which may include things like medication you have to take, psychology sessions you need to attend etc. From my understanding, if you don't adhere to the conditions and become unwell, professionals have a right to take you back into hospital.

Hope this helps :)

So if you are on a CTO are you still sectioned?

Basically Yes. A community treatment order is a section in the community meaning you have to obey certain rules like taking medication / living in your place of residence ect. If you fail to meet the requirements you can get re-called back onto your section 3 and hospitalised again.