Psychiatrists’ attitudes towards the procedure of involuntary admission to mental hospitals in China

Abstract

Background: In order to protect the rights of the mentally ill, legislation on the standards and procedures of compulsory detention has been made at the local and national level in China. Aims: This study aims to examine psychiatrists’ attitudes towards seeking involuntary admission in mainland China. Method: Three hundred and fourteen (314) qualified members of the Chinese Psychiatrist Association (CPA) were surveyed using a questionnaire to assess their attitudes about the procedure of involuntary admission to mental hospitals. Data were analysed using χ2 and logistic regression. Results: Some psychiatrists in the CPA had several arbitrary attitudes towards the process of admission. Females, aged under 35, with a low education level and a low position in the institution showed stricter attitudes in the procedure of involuntary admission. Areas with mental health legislation showed significant positive relationships with stricter attitudes. Conclusions: Every effort needs to be made to minimize these arbitrary attitudes to prevent potential negative outcomes. There is still a long way to go in protecting the rights of people diagnosed with mental illness.