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Who is coercively admitted to psychiatric wards? Epidemiological analysis of inpatient records of involuntary psychiatric admissions to a University General Hospital in Greece for the years 2008–2017

Author

Listed:
  • Maria Bakola
  • Vaios Peritogiannis
  • David Stuckler
  • Konstantina Soultana Kitsou
  • Philippos Gourzis
  • Thomas Hyphantis
  • Eleni Jelastopulu

Abstract

Background: Involuntary psychiatric admissions are a widely used practice despite ethical concerns about coercion. There are particular concerns that vulnerable groups, such as single, unemployed or racial minorities, may be more subjected to such practices. Aim: We aimed to investigate the social patterns of involuntary psychiatric admissions from 2008 to 2017 at University General Hospital in Ioannina, Greece. Method: We retrospectively assessed inpatient records from 2008 to 2017 of patients admitted to the Department of Psychiatry of the Ioannina University General Hospital, Northwestern Greece. Alternative patients of alternative years were selected for inclusion; this yielded 332 patients involuntarily admitted, corresponding to 28.5% of total involuntary psychiatric admissions. Results: Over the 10-year period, the overall numbers of annual involuntary psychiatric admissions remained relatively stable, as did the length of hospital stay (mean = 23.8 days). The most common disorder upon admission was schizophrenia spectrum disorders, accounting for approximately two-thirds of all admissions, followed by mood disorders (about 20%). There was evidence that people who lacked social support or experienced financial hardship were more greatly represented among those admitted: 70.2% of admitted patients were single and 64.8% were unemployed. Most patients had been admitted to the psychiatric ward in the past (64.2%). Conclusion: Our study indicates potentially worrisome evidence that patients who are in vulnerable positions are at elevated likelihood of being involuntarily admitted to psychiatric wards. Future research is needed to evaluate the socio-demographic patterning of involuntary admissions in other European countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Maria Bakola & Vaios Peritogiannis & David Stuckler & Konstantina Soultana Kitsou & Philippos Gourzis & Thomas Hyphantis & Eleni Jelastopulu, 2023. "Who is coercively admitted to psychiatric wards? Epidemiological analysis of inpatient records of involuntary psychiatric admissions to a University General Hospital in Greece for the years 2008–201," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 69(2), pages 267-276, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:69:y:2023:i:2:p:267-276
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640221081793
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Vaios Peritogiannis & Panagiota Gioti & Afroditi Gogou & Maria Samakouri, 2020. "Decrease of hospitalizations and length of hospital stay in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders treated in a community mental health service in rural Greece," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(7), pages 693-699, November.
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