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Psychiatric Hospital Admissions in Bristol. II. Social and Clinical Aspects of Compulsory Admission

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Glynn Harrison*
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, University of Bristol
Bernard Ineichen
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, University of Bristol, 39/41 St. Michael's Hill, Bristol; (now Research Officer, Bath Health Authority)
Janet Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Mental Health, University of Bristol
H. G. Morgan
Affiliation:
University of Bristol
*
Reprint requests: Dr G. Harrison, Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham.

Summary

Three groups of patients admitted compulsorily from populations with markedly different rates of compulsory psychiatric admissions were compared on a range of social and clinical data. Whilst West Indian and white patients from inner city areas differed in many respects, they were both more likely than other patients to be referred to the psychiatric services through police agencies, with little GP involvement and were often admitted from public places following disturbed behaviour. However, levels of violence and threatening behaviour were no higher among inner city patients, black or white, and once admitted, these groups showed similar treatment compliance to white patients who had been admitted compulsorily from suburban areas. Implications for primary care and delivery of psychiatric services are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © 1984 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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