title: The dangerousness criterion for civil commitment: the problem and a possible solution.
abstract: The dangerousness criterion for civil commitment fails to specify which mental disorders justify commitment. This ambiguity is highlighted by the fact that there are patients with personality disorders or substance abuse who may be dangerous but for whom we have few effective treatments. A possible solution might be provided by adopting the American Psychiatric Association guidelines which consider severity of mental disorder and treatability in its criteria.
authors.affiliation: Allan Memorial Institute, Montreal, Quebec.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Brouillette
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paris
mesh_terms: D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011792:Quebec; D012307:Risk Factors; D014754:Violence