Acute involuntary hospitalization is perceived as a threatening event for most of patients. Acute involuntary hospitalization of psychiatric patients is probably a major source of anxiety and may be related to anxiety disorders. Further knowledge on the anxiety disorders secondary to involuntary hospitalization may limit traumatic experience and is, indeed, of considerable importance.

Bibliographic review of the existing literature was conducted using MEDLINE/PubMed (1969-2010). The following key words were used “involuntary hospitalization”; “coercion”; “patient admission”; “stress disorder” “anxiety” and “posttraumatic stress disorder”. All papers in English and French were considered in this review.

Although the impact of diverse stressful or traumatic events has been the subject of numerous publications, we found only one study in the literature dealing with PTSD symptoms related to acute involuntary hospitalization. In this article involuntarily admitted patients were not more traumatized than voluntarily admitted ones. Although coercive measures can be traumatizing, but forced medication, seclusion, or application of any coercive measure were not significantly associated with traumatizing. Reviews on involuntary hospital admission’ demonstrated negative and positive consequences on various outcome domains. Findings highlight the predominantly negative impact of physical restraint on the person restrained and their family. These findings support minimal use of restraint in health care to a relatively vulnerable group of people. But coercion can also lead to positive outcomes.

Specific studies concerning the impact of involuntary hospitalization, coercitive measures and forced treatment causing anxiety disorders are still needed. Discussion about its methodology and ethical aspects remains necessary.