A country report: impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on involuntary psychiatric treatment in Austria.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Coercive measures such as involuntary psychiatric admission are considered a last resort in the treatment of people with psychiatric disorders. So far, numerous factors have been identified that influence their use. However, the link between a pandemic - in particular, restrictions such as lockdowns - and the use of involuntary psychiatric admission is unclear.

Aim

To examine the association between COVID-19 lockdowns and involuntary psychiatric admissions in Austria.

Method

This retrospective exploratory study assessed all involuntary psychiatric admissions and use of mechanical restraint in Austria, except for the federal state of Vorarlberg, between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used.

Results

SUBMITTER: Fellinger M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10755558 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature