Changing patterns in emergency involuntary admissions in the Netherlands in the period 2000-2004

Niels Mulder, D Uitenbroek, J Broer, B. (Bert) Lendemeijer, JR van Veldhuizen, W van Tilburg, P Lelliott, André Wierdsma

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Abstract

Background: In England. rates of involuntary admissions increased in subgroups of patients. it is unknown whether this is true in other European countries. Aims: To establish whether the increase in emergency commitments was uniform across subgroups of patients and dangerousness criteria used to justify commitment in The Netherlands. Results: Commitments increased from 40.2 to 46.5 (16%) per 100,000 inhabitants. Controlling for population changes in age and sex, relatively large increases were found in patients over 50 years (25-40% increase), in patients with dementia (59%), 'other organic mental disorders' (40%) and substance abuse (36%). 'Arousing aggression', increased most strongly as a dangerousness criterion for commitment (30%). Conclusion: Changing patterns of commitments in The Netherlands and England might indicate a wider European shift in diagnoses and reasons for admission of committed patients. (c) 2008 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)331-336
Number of pages6
JournalInternational Journal of Law and Psychiatry
Volume31
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Research programs

  • EMC OR-01-58-01

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