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Abstract
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Introduction. The compulsory hospitalization represents an ethical as well as a legal dilemma. The aim of this paper is to analyze the involuntary referral to psychiatric examination, involuntary institutionalization in a psychiatric institution and involuntary treatment as well as the stay and security measures with the aim of improving psychiatric practice, taking into account the best interests of the patient.
METHODS. The study was conducted as case series, with a retrospective review of medical records. The research involved an analysis of the data from the medical documentation of admission and examinations at Psychiatry Ward of General Hospital, Uzice, Serbia. The data dealing with compulsory institutionalization were collected for a calendar year (from 01/01/2011 to 31/12/2011). Descriptive statistical methods were used for the analysis, and data are presented as absolute and relative values.
RESULTS. During the period there were a total of 144 involuntary examinations which made 1.32% of all examinations by a psychiatrist. From all the involuntary examined, a total of 108 (75%) were male and 36 (25%) were female. Aggressive behavior was present in every case of involuntary examination and hospitalization. Out of the total number of involuntary examinations, the general physicians referred 143 (99.3%) people and the decision of a court was used in only 1 (0.7%) subject. Out of the 144 involuntary examinations, compulsory hospitalization was proposed for 112 patients. Out of these, 106 people voluntarily agreed to be hospitalized and 6 people declined and were therefore compulsory hospitalized by the relevant decision of the court.
CONCLUSION. The compulsory institutionalizations are present in a small volume in the daily affairs of psychiatrists. They are primarily implemented due to aggressive behavior, have significant legal and other consequences and therefore necessitate special attention.
Keywords
mental disorders; aggression; forensic psychiatry
Language: sr |