Increase in involuntary psychiatric admissions of minors

Abstract.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency and trend over time of involuntary psychiatric admissions of minors, and to examine the psychiatric diagnoses in involuntary admissions of minors as compared to those admitted on a voluntary basis.

Method:

A retrospective register study was made during the period 1996–2000 of a nationally representative hospital discharge register in Finland.

Results:

Involuntary admissions of children (aged < 12) and adolescents (aged 12–17) increased vastly over the study period, both in absolute figures and in proportion to all admissions in the age groups. Although some disorders were more likely to be linked to compulsory admission than others, a variety of individual diagnoses were represented under compulsory admission.

Conclusion:

More comprehensive guidance for clinicians is needed regarding the involuntary admission of minors. More theoretical and empirical research is needed on minors’ competence to consent to or refuse treatment.