The Mental Health Act Commission and Second Opinions

I am grateful for the opportunity of commenting on a recent article by Dr Paul Bridges, ‘Psychosurgery and the Mental Health Act Commission’ ( Bulletin , August 1984, 8 , 146–48). It may be useful to clarify the areas where we agree with him and to put into context matters in which he is critical. In the latter case I wish to consider whether his criticism is accurately directed at the Commission's policies.