I think it depends on the situation. If the patient is an imminent risk of harm to self or others or is clearly psychotic, I can see the need for it. The extent to which it gets applied and the applicable laws vary alot from country to country.

I know here in Ontario to be committed on a form (72 hours) requires the signature of 2 psychiatrists, so there is some check and balance in the system. Subsequent forms can be issued, to hold the patient longer but the patient is assigned an advocated from the psychiatric patients advocacy office which is an independent agency, to advise patients of their rights.

Do I think there's potential for abuse - possibly, but the reality is, most places are so short of psychiatric beds that involuntary hospitalization is probably not going to be done lightly.

I do feel very strongly that self - harm alone, in the abscence of suicidal intent, should not be grounds for involuntary hospitalization.

---splitimage