A cross sectional descriptive study to assess the factors determining involuntary admissions in a psychiatric hospital

ABSTRACT

Back ground In our day to day work, especially in government hospitals we come across involuntary admissions where it is difficult to discharge them. Aim: To study the 1)socio demographic factors, 2)symptom profile during admission, 3)referral mode, 4) previous admissions, 5)diagnosis, and 6)co morbidity; of the patients admitted in the open and closed wards of a tertiary level psychiatry hospital. Methods: Collecting the information on socio-demographic profile, presentation, diagnosis and management details of the patients from the case sheets in a semi structured proforma. The data so collected is analyzed statistically to determine any significance. Results: Involuntary (closed ward) admissions were determined by various factors, such as education, marital status, caste, economic status, family structure, social support, referral mode, first consultation, duration of untreated illness, substance abuse and symptom profile. Conclusions: Involuntary admission in India is determined by factors which are not similar to other countries. Policies should be made based on large scale Indian studies.