The need for compulsory care in schizophrenia in relation to symptomatology and side-effects

In a comprehensive study of involuntary psychiatric care in two Swedish counties psychiatric examinations and interviews were carried out in 42 committed and 19 voluntary admitted patients with a schizophrenic or a schizophrenia-like syndrome. The aim was iu elucidate if specific symptoms or side-effects from neuroleptic treatment are associated with violent acts and commitment. Committed patients had significantly more preadmission violent acts than voluntary admitted patients. However, there were no significant differences in symptomatology, side-effects, violent acts and/or suicidal behaviour between involuntary of voluntary admitted patients. Moreover, there was no correlation found between neuroleptic side effects and violent acts and/or suicidal behaviour.