Civil commitment trends in Ontario: the effect of legislation on clinical practice

The rationale for and history of civil commitment legislation in Ontario are reviewed. The civil commitment rate in Ontario from 1926 to 1980 for provincial psychiatric hospitals, and from 1974 to 1980 for all psychiatric inpatient facilities was analyzed to detect variation in the rate over time and with relevant legislation. The findings indicate that mental health legislation has had little effect on commitment practices in Ontario. In addition, the variation in the commitment rate over the period reviewed cannot be ascribed to inconsistent application by physicians. The other variables affecting the rate are discussed in this context. The need for more descriptive studies of the major determinants of the commitment rate is emphasized.