I would like to say that the patient was aware at all times that I wanted her in hospital for her own benefit. So I was using the 'sftly, softly' approach - or at least I think I was. As I said in the posting IANAD - so if I did go down the route of trying to get her sectioned then I'm have people who _are_ doctors on that section of the register (section 12? I forget) come down and assess her. Then if those people who are especially trained to deal with such situations (I would hope...) say that it is safe for her to stay at home, then I'd be happy to leave her. I'd like to think that I know the limits of my knowledge. I'd suggest that we use verbal/semantic 'tricks' whenever we interact with other people. But in this case 'trick' was meant in the 'tricks of the trade' sense, rather than the 'I'll trick her into doing something'. I also understand the nightmare of getting a Section 2, having spent 11 hours of a 12 hour nightshift trying to get one done on what I can only describe as a "completely violent nutter". It was only after I suggested that should the patient leave the A&E, not only was I not in any position to stop him, but that I'd hold the Social worker who was being obstructive personally responsible for the first person he killed. Now that's bullying.