A ‘worrying rise’ in compulsory mental health treatment, particularly among young Scots, is being made worse by gaps in support, a leading mental health charity has said.

Nigel Henderson, chief executive of Penumbra, said: “Whilst compulsory treatment may not always be avoidable, it should not be inevitable. However, these figures show a worrying rise in the use of compulsory treatment.

“For young people in particular, the figures are a stark reminder that there is a gap in mental health support services for this age group. People need the right support at the right time.”

A report published yesterday showed 6,038 new compulsory treatment cases occurred in Scotland last year – the highest figure since the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act came into force in 2003 – and rising numbers of under-25s were being given compulsory treatment.

For the first time, young women aged 18 to 24 experienced the highest rate of emergency detentions for any female age group.

Young men aged 16 to 17 saw the greatest increase in rates of emergency detention per 100,000 of the population over the past year.

Detentions are supposed to take place with the consent of a specialist social worker, known as a mental health officer, but rates where this happens vary considerably.

Mr Henderson added: “The report also highlights concerning issues around compliance. It should not be the case that large numbers of compulsory treatment orders are being applied without the consent of a specialist social worker or mental health officer.

“However, in one local authority area only 33% compliance was met.

“It will be important for the forthcoming review of the Mental Health Act to consider these findings carefully, but I would also urge councils and health boards to look at how they’re using compulsory treatment.”