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

Abstract

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. This study aims to examine psychiatrists' attitudes towards seeking involuntary admission in mainland China. 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 χ(2) and logistic regression. 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. 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.