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Related Experiment Video

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Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Published on: November 25, 2025

Compulsory treatment in psychiatry.

Kathleen A Sheehan¹

¹Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. katie.sheehan@gmail.com

Current Opinion in Psychiatry

|August 6, 2009

Summary

Compulsory treatment in psychiatry, including involuntary hospitalization and community care, remains controversial. Research explores patient and clinician experiences, highlighting the therapeutic relationship

Area of Science:

Psychiatry
Mental Health Law
Bioethics

Background:

Compulsory treatment is a prevalent yet debated practice within psychiatric care.
Recent research has expanded beyond hospital settings to include community-based interventions and special populations.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent studies on the application and implications of compulsory treatment measures.
To examine the evolving landscape of involuntary treatment in psychiatric settings.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of recent literature on compulsory treatment.
Analysis of studies focusing on hospital, community, and special population contexts.
Inclusion of research on stakeholder experiences and specific coercive practices.

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Last Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Protocol for Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation with Symptom Provocation to Treat Obsessive-compulsive Disorder

Published on: November 25, 2025

Main Results:

Investigations now encompass community care as the primary treatment site, revealing complex implementation issues.
Research highlights the subjective experiences of patients, families, and clinicians, with the therapeutic relationship as a key factor.
Studies examine specific practices like forced medication and seclusion in subgroups such as adolescents and those with eating disorders.

Conclusions:

Compulsory treatment in psychiatry continues to be an ethically and clinically challenging area.
The ethical debate is ongoing, with a need for further empirical evidence to balance ethical concerns with potential clinical benefits.