COMPULSORY ADMISSION OF PSYCHIATRIC-PATIENTS - AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON

The frequency of compulsory admissions to psychiatric hospitals varies considerably between countries and regions. However, the differences are partly artificial, as the figures available are not fully comparab le; this is mainly owing to differing definitions of ''compulsory'' an d the methodological shortcomings of most studies in this field. In ad dition, there are also clear real differences, most of which result fr om different legislation and administrative regulations. Characteristi cs of the patient that influence the risk of compulsory admission incl ude diagnosis and certain sociodemographic and social factors. Most st udies, however, are based on highly selected populations. Furthermore, the results depend heavily on the commitment frequency of a country a nd therefore eventually also on the restrictiveness of legislation. Th e lack of methodologically sound studies, internationally comparable d ata and internationally published information is regrettable, as inter national comparison and discussion would certainly be valuable, especi ally for countries that are in the process of re-evaluating their comm itment criteria and mental health legislation.