To assess physicians' knowledge on the procedures for involuntary detention in hospital of the mentally ill.

A questionnaire based on Greek law 2071/1992 on the involuntary admission of mentally ill patients was answered by psychiatrists and other specialist physicians.

One hundred and one answers were obtained from non-psychiatrists and 26 from psychiatrists. Four-fifths of both the non-psychiatrists and the psychiatrists were aware of the need to inform the patient, but only 45% and 69%, respectively, were aware of the patient's option for appeal. One-third of non-psychiatrists and less than half of the psychiatrists were familiar with the necessary conditions in order to admit a patient to hospital on an involuntary basis, whereas only a minority of the two groups (6% and 35% respectively) knew about the timeframe for such admissions. Interestingly, less than 40% of non-psychiatrists and approximately 60% of psychiatrists thought that involuntary hospitalisation jeopardised patients' human rights. Forty-four percent of non-psychiatrists and 31% of psychiatrists didn't consider involuntary hospitalisation as an indicated therapy, and 63% and 54% respectively, argued that the mentally ill should be removed from psychiatric hospitals provided they continue to be under medical follow-up in the community.

Clinicians' knowledge on the procedures for involuntary hospitalisation of the mentally ill appears to be limited. Informing and educating doctors on the procedures governing involuntary hospitalisation will contribute to the improvement of the mental health system in , Greece and will promote due respect back to patients.