A Forensic Psychiatric Perspective on the Draft Mental Health Act of Turkey in Light of Similar Laws and Practice in a Foreign Jurisdiction

Designated Acts for issues related to mental health are in force in many countries throughout the world. A mental health act is also expected to be approved in Turkey soon. Under the leadership of the Psychiatric Association of Turkey, non-governmental organizations operating in the field of mental health has contributed to the emergence of a comprehensive draft. The current draft, after extensive discussion and reiterations for almost a decade, was brought to a state close to its final form and accepted as a draft bill, ready to be legislated in the Turkish Grand National Assembly. This review will discuss the potential impact of the law in matters involving Forensic Psychiatry, and present our recommendations.