Coercion and legal protection in psychiatric care in Finland.
In this article an overview is given on the complexity of coercion and legal protection in psychiatric care. The Finnish criteria for coercive treatment and some types of coercion are presented. The defining and classifying of mental illnesses are stated to be culturally bound, developing processes. How the incidence of involuntary care correlates with the number of hospital beds is discussed. Some suggestions to improve the legal protection of psychiatric patients in Finland are presented.
National Agency for Welfare and Health, Helsinki, Finland.
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Kokkonen
D032763:Behavior Control; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003617:Dangerous Behavior; D005104:Expert Testimony / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence