OUTLINE

Introduction

Historical background

The concept of LRE in National Mental Health Act,2021

Applications of the concept of LRE in Psychiatry

Challenges in application of the concept of LRE 

Recommendations

Conclusion

References

Introduction

The New Jersey civil commitment statute defines the term “least restrictive environment” as, “the available setting and form of treatment that appropriately addresses a person’s need for care and the need to respond to dangers to the person, others or property and respects, to the greatest extent practicable, the person’s interests in freedom of movement and self-direction.” Management of individuals with mental illness should ensure their rights, privacy, sense of dignity are respected.

Segregation and unequal distribution of amenities, public services, health care and respect of fundamental rights of individuals with disabilities and mental illness are issues seen in the course of evolution of psychiatry and the society. This manifested in forms such as; institutionalization, inhumane treatment, provision of inadequate education, poor guardian behaviour,  et cetera, towards individuals with mental illness.

Research has shown that the provision of equal opportunities with minimal restriction to individuals with disabilities and mental illness as those of their peers has positive outcomes. LRE is applied in variety of areas including education, in-patient admission, guardianship etc.