Compulsory admissions in southwest Greece 2010-2011: A descriptive report.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Legal Medicine

Background:

• Compulsory admissions form a substantial part of psychiatric hospitalizations globally.
• International variations exist in legal frameworks, administrative procedures, detention rates, and clinical practices for involuntary admissions.
• The Greek mental healthcare system faces challenges in managing compulsory admissions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of compulsory admissions in a major Greek administrative region.
• To identify areas for future research and potential improvements in the system of involuntary psychiatric hospitalization.
• To assess the alignment of current practices with legal and clinical standards.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of involuntary assessments and admissions at the University Hospital of Patras over a 12-month period.
• Collection of demographic data, legal procedure information, and diagnoses at first assessment and discharge.
• Evaluation of patient participation in court hearings.

Main Results:

• 183 compulsory admissions occurred, representing 44.9% of all psychiatric admissions.
• Psychosis was the most frequent initial diagnosis (68.4%), with schizophrenia (52.8%) and bipolar disorder (21.3%) being common at discharge.
• A significant proportion (16.1%) of assessed cases did not warrant hospitalization, often related to substance abuse.
• Most patients (81.5%) opted not to attend court hearings, highlighting procedural issues.

Conclusions:

• The current system for legal procedures and involuntary admissions in Greece is inadequate.
• Systematic data recording for mental healthcare parameters, including compulsory hospitalizations, is crucial.
• Improvements are needed in the legal framework, procedures, and overall mental healthcare delivery for involuntary patients.