This field contains a code which defines the mental categories of a patient in accordance with the designations in the Mental Health Act 1983.

A patient should be included in only one mental category. If a patient has been assigned to more than one mental category, mental illness takes precedence over the others, and mental impairment or severe mental impairment takes precedence over psychopathic disorder.

1 = Mental illness

2 = Mental impairment

3 = Severe mental impairment

4 = Psychopathic disorder

5 = Not specified (from 1995-96)

8 = Not applicable

9 = Not known