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Glossary of Mental Health Terms
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Glossary of Terms – F
To view this glossary simply click on the corresponding letter below.
Please note – this is not an exhaustive list, but includes some fo the terminology commonly used in the assessment and treatment of mental illness. The terms in this glossary were derived from the medical glossary of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and are used with the Centre's permission
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Fit to stand trial – The ability of a person to understand what happens in court and what might result from the proceedings, and also the person's ability to communicate with his or her lawyer. A person is declared Unfit to Stand Trial ("Unfit") if a mental illness stops that person from understanding the nature, object or consequences of the events that happen in court, or if that illness stops the person from being able to communicate with and instruct his or her lawyer. Simply having a mental disorder does not make a person Unfit.
Flat or blunt affect – exhibiting little emotion and having an expressionless face.
Forensic assessment – The systematic evaluation of an issue, such as Fitness to Stand Trial or Criminal Responsibility. The results of the assessment are made into a report for the court.
Forensic mental health system – The system that deals with people who have a mental illness (including those with a dual diagnosis) and who have come into contact with the law.
Forensic – Connected to the law or the courts.
Form 1 : "Application by Physician for Psychiatric Assessment"– A legal document that comes from the Mental Health Act. If a doctor thinks that you have a mental disorder and you are going to harm yourself or someone else, or that you can't look after yourself, the doctor may fill out a Form 1. (Talk to a psychiatrist, lawyer or patient advocate for more information about the criteria for a Form 1.) Once this form is signed, you can be kept in hospital for up to 72 hours, even if it is against your will.
Form 3 : "Certificate of Involuntary Admission" – Once you are in hospital on a Form 1, a physician must assess you again within 72 hours. If a doctor thinks you still meet the criteria for involuntary admission to hospital, the doctor may fill out a Form 3. After a Form 3 has been signed, you can be kept in hospital for up to two weeks.
Form 4 : "Certificate of Renewal" – If a doctor thinks you still meet the criteria for involuntary admission to hospital after a Form 3 expires, the doctor may fill out a Form 4. The doctor can use a Form 4 for as long as you meet the criteria for involuntary admission to hospital.
