LIMITED DURATION RESTRICTION ORDERS - WHAT ARE THEY FOR

This study reviews the use of limited duration restriction orders in t he 10 years following the introduction of the Mental Health Act 1983. In this period 73 such orders were imposed and they represent 5 per ce nt of all restriction orders. The typical duration of an order is 3 ye ars. These orders are intended for use when there is medical evidence that a patient will recover in a set period of time. However, the majo rity of these orders did not result from a medical recommendation for a time limited order and our study found little evidence that their us e was guided by medical evidence of good prognosis. Rather there is so me evidence suggesting they are used to serve a tariff-based punitive function.