[Compulsory admission for treatment--an interview study of patients. 2. Rights, guardianship and attitudes to commitment].

Forty-three patients committed for treatment in Copenhagen County were interviewed about their rights, protection of rights and consequences of the commitment. Very few patients felt they had been properly informed about their rights and they knew very little about how to complain to the authorities about their commitment. Attorneys were found to have too little competence and insufficient training, and patients felt insecure about their attorneys' role. One forth of the patients agreed that they had to be committed, while one forth never accepted their commitment. Difficulties in giving information to the psychotic patient with disturbances in cognition and on unrealistic way of thinking are discussed. It is concluded, that there is a need to strengthen patients' rights, but not at the expense of the possibility of delay in administering treatment.