Mental health legislation in Luxembourg, a small country in Western Europe

Abstract

The article provides a brief overview of the legislation governing involuntary admissions to psychiatric hospitals in Luxembourg. The legislation was completely overhauled in 2009 and several human rights principles are enshrined into it. Emphasis is placed on voluntary, community-based treatment, and where compulsory treatment is required, it uses the least restrictive treatment option. Mentally ill offenders are dealt with through separate specialist legislation. Young people under the age of 18 are often detained using family law.