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Civil commitment: a range of patient attitudes
1Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.
The Bulletin of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Adults formerly under civil commitment had mixed perceptions six months post-discharge. While most viewed commitment positively, a significant minority held negative views on the experience and its consequences.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Mental Health Services Research
- Forensic Psychiatry
Background:
- Civil commitment is a legal process for involuntary psychiatric treatment.
- Understanding patient perspectives post-discharge is crucial for treatment improvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the perceptions of adult civil commitment excandidates regarding their commitment experience.
- To assess views on commitment, medication, and hospital care six months after discharge.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews were conducted with adult civil commitment excandidates.
- Scales were developed to measure perceptions of need for commitment, personal consequences, medication, physician, and hospital experience.
Main Results:
- Excandidates reported a mixed overall view of their civil commitment.
- A majority held positive perceptions, while a substantial minority expressed negative views.
- Specific areas of perception included medication, physician, and hospital experience.
Conclusions:
- Post-commitment perceptions are varied, highlighting the need for personalized care.
- Addressing negative experiences is essential for improving treatment adherence and outcomes.
- Further research should explore factors influencing these diverse perceptions.