[The use of isolation in psychiatry--a literature study]

This article reports on a literature review into the publications on the practise of seclusion. Attention will be paid to the moral debate on seclusion. The major part of the publications consider seclusion as a necessary intervention to manage problem behaviour. The first part of the article will consider definitional aspects and will result in concept clarification. The review shows differences at definitional aspects, motives for seclusion and patient characteristics. Data on frequencies, incidence and duration appear to be different. The experience of patients who are secluded are mostly negative, but positive reactions are also reported. Publications on the influence of the hospital characteristics to the use of seclusion seem to increase during time. Finally it is concluded that seclusion is an effective way to manage (potential) dangerous behaviour and that seclusion is an intervention which may create therapeutic conditions.