The supervised confinement of a patient in a room, which may be locked to protect others from significant harm. Its sole aim is to contain severely disturbed/violent behaviour that is likely to cause harm to others. Seclusion should be used as a last resort, for the shortest possible time. Seclusion should not be used as a punishment or threat; as part of a treatment programme; because of shortage of staff; where there is any risk of suicide or self-harm. Seclusion of an informal patient should be taken as an indicator of the need to consider formal detention.