[Compulsory admission for treatment--an interview study of patients. 1. Admission procedure, use of restraint and treatment].

Forty-three patients committed for treatment in Copenhagen county were interviewed on their discharge from hospital. Half of the patients felt better after hospitalization, while one fourth of the patients were dissatisfied. Food, changes in housing and human contact were given as examples of the positive outcome. One half of the patients were given compulsory medication and one fourth were physically restrained. The patients experienced many adverse effects of the medication. It is recommended, that psychiatrists are involved to a higher degree in evaluation and treatment before decisions for compulsory hospitalization are taken. Investigations are needed to find predictors for a positive outcome in involuntary hospitalization. Unnecessary hospitalization should be avoided in order not to harm the patient-doctor relationship.