[Evaluation of clinical variables leading to involuntary admission in psychiatry]

This study attempted to describe the main clinical criteria used to determine involuntary admissions. The mental status of 140 involuntary-admitted patients and 177 voluntary-admitted patients was examined using an objective questionnaire. An analysis of proportions was conducted on 18 observed signs and symptoms and yielded significant differences (p less than 0.0028) on several variables such as lack of awareness of their psychopathology (autocritique), impulsivity, lack of collaboration, impaired judgement, threatening attitudes, recent history of public mischief, verbal aggressivity, active violent ideation and psychomotor agitation (Phi. Co: 0.31-0.56). There was no significant difference between the two groups for hallucinations and suicidal ideation. These results confirmed the impression that involuntary admission is still necessary for some patients to provide treatment, but in terms of dangerousness toward self or others the clinical prediction shows doubtful value.