S2 — MRCPsych Paper B MCQ
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Correct answer: B — 28 days
Section 2 of the Mental Health Act 1983 permits detention in hospital for assessment, or assessment followed by medical treatment, for up to 28 days. It is not ordinarily renewable as another section 2; if continued compulsory admission for treatment is required, detention under section 3 may be considered if its criteria are met. Seventy-two hours is associated with emergency or hospital holding powers, including sections 4 and 5(2). Six months is the initial maximum duration of section 3 detention. Twelve months relates to later renewal periods for some longer-term powers, not section 2. Fourteen days is not the duration of section 2 detention.
Reference: NHS, Mental Health Act, section on detention periods, 2026. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/social-care-and-your-rights/mental-health-and-the-law/mental-health-act/