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Consumer perceptions of involuntary outpatient commitment.
1Department of Mental Health, Law and Policy at the Florida Mental Health Institute of the University of Florida, Tampa 33612, USA. borum@fmhi.usf.edu
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|November 5, 1999
Summary
People with severe mental illness believe court-ordered outpatient commitment helps them attend appointments and take medication. This legal intervention is perceived to improve treatment adherence and reduce hospitalizations.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Mental Health Law
- Public Health Policy
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) presents significant challenges to treatment adherence.
- Outpatient commitment (OC) is a legal mechanism aimed at ensuring community-based treatment for individuals with SPMI.
- Understanding patient perceptions of OC is crucial for its effective implementation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine patient beliefs regarding the provisions of outpatient commitment.
- To assess the perceived effects of outpatient commitment on treatment adherence and outcomes among individuals with SPMI.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 306 individuals with SPMI awaiting outpatient commitment.
- Participants' beliefs about OC requirements and their perceived impact were collected.
Main Results:
- Over 80% of respondents believed OC mandates attending mental health appointments and adhering to prescribed medication.
- More than 75% perceived OC as increasing the likelihood of keeping appointments, taking medication, and avoiding hospitalization.
Conclusions:
- Individuals with SPMI awaiting OC largely perceive its provisions as beneficial for treatment adherence.
- Patient beliefs suggest OC is viewed as a supportive measure for managing mental health and preventing relapse.
Keywords:
Mental Health Therapies