Final answer:
The acts for voluntary admission for treatment of mental disorders vary by state but typically are included in state mental health laws, with the Mental Health Act being a common example. Such frameworks have evolved over time, as perspectives on what constitutes a mental disorder have changed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is inquiring about the acts that govern voluntary admission for the treatment of mental disorders. In the United States, the specific names of the acts can vary by state, but generally, they fall under broader state mental health codes or acts that provide for both voluntary and involuntary admission to mental health facilities. Two acts that are commonly referenced in the context of mental health law are the Mental Health Act and the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act (LPS), the latter being specific to California. The Mental Health Act is used in many jurisdictions as a basis for providing treatment to individuals who are seeking help for mental health issues.
Historically, the understanding and classification of mental disorders have evolved. Instances of demedicalization have occurred where behaviors or conditions, such as drapetomania or homosexuality, which were once labeled as mental health issues, are no longer considered as such. This evolution in the understanding of what constitutes a mental disorder highlights the ongoing changes in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, as reflected in publications like the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.