Involuntary hospitalization in those presumed to be mentally ill has been a common practice. Although some patients are hospitalized for aggression, two-thirds of the patients are hospitalized because of the threat they pose to themselves. Although these patients require risk assessment and evaluation for possible presence of mental illness, the question is how much these patients will benefit from involuntary admission and what the long-term outcome would be.

All patients admitted involuntary to the psychiatric ward in Kingston, Canada, and psychiatrists involved in their care were interviewed to see whether they think the involuntary admission was helpful. All patients were asked to fill-out MacArthur AES to assess their satisfaction with hospitalization.

Although psychiatrists frequently reported that the admission was justified, only 29 out of 81 patients reported being explained to why they had been admitted involuntarily. Also, there was a significant difference in AES scores between those who were and were not given an explanation for admission. In addition, psychiatrists more often reported that the involuntary admission worsened the therapeutic relationship which was significantly associated with involuntary admission that was not explained to patients.

The results of our study shows that patients admitted involuntarily often feel disappointed with staff and mental health system. It could lead to feeling of hopelessness, frustration and low self-esteem. If explained, some patients who present with risk to self might accept voluntary admissions, that will improve therapeutic alliance with psychiatrists and increase satisfaction from hospitalization. Result of this study could improve the decision making process for involuntary admissions.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.