Addiction Research & Therapy

The Multi-center study of Acute Psychiatry included all cases of acute consecutive psychiatric admissions in twenty acute psychiatric units in Norway, representing about 75 % of the acute psychiatric units during 2005-2006. Data included admission process, rating of Global Assessment of Functioning and Health of the Nation Outcome Scales.

Results: We found that 1453 (44%) of the patients were referred for involuntary hospitalization, 28% were referred for involuntary observation (maximum duration 10 days), 16 % for involuntary hospitalization with no time limit for stay. Regression analysis identifi ed contact with police, referral by physicians who did not know the patient, contact with health services within the last 48 h, not living in own apartment or house, high scores for aggression, level of hallucinations and delusions, and contact with an out-of offi ce clinic within the last 48 h and low GAF symptom score as predictors for involuntary

hospitalization. We also found that . Aft er reevaluation by specialist in the hospital within 24 hours of arrival 320 patients (21.8%) were converted from involuntary refererd paragraph to voluntary hospitalization. Th is conversion was predicted by that the patient said he/ she wanting admission, had a better Global Assessment of Symptom score (GAFs), less severe symptoms of hallucinations and delusions and more use of alcohol. Involuntary patients were older, more oft en male, non-Norwegian, unmarried and had lower level of education. They more oft en had disability pension or received social benefi ts, and were more oft en admitted during evenings and nights, found to have more frequent substance abuse and less oft en responsible for children and were less frequently motivated for admission.

Involuntary patients had less contact with psychiatric services before admission. Most patients were referred because of a deterioration of their psychiatric illness.