In a conceptual frame of reference a distinction is made between different
aspects of coercion (formal, perceived and evaluated) and different levels
of coercion (hospitalization, treatment and other measures). This frame of
reference is used to analyse empirical data from interviews of representati
ve samples of 100 formally committed, the 'probands', and 99 voluntarily ad
mitted sex- and age-matched 'controls'. The results demonstrate that there
are many different aspects of coercion; thus, discussions about psychiatric
coercion should not be restricted to formally registered commitment. The d
ata also indicate the need to survey the different perceptions of the perso
ns involved in the process of care, in order to understand whether and how
coercion has been applied. The results also exemplify the need to include,
in all assessments of health care, questions of respect for patient autonom
y and integrity.