A one-year prospective study comparing Section 136 patients (39) and t
he severe Section 2 or 4 patients (29) of the Mental Health Act 1983 i
n a hospital with inner London catchment areas. The assessments were c
linical, nurses' ratings and socio-demographic. The results showed tha
t clinical and nursing ratings did not differentiate the two groups. M
ost social/demographic data showed similar trends with both groups bei
ng disadvantaged but Section 136 patients slightly more so. The differ
ences were smaller than anticipated, suggesting a recent shift of pati
ents admitted under Section 2 or 4 towards a more socially disadvantag
ed position. In conclusion, police did not overuse Section 136. Our co
mparison suggests: (a) police may underuse Section 136, and (b) Sectio
n 136 acts as a valuable 'back-up' for those patients who would otherw
ise fail to benefit from the Mental Health Act.