Coercion in Psychiatry and Mental Health Care: Ethical, Legal, and Human Rights Considerations

Abstract

The practice of coercion in mental health care is a critically important point of discussion for international human rights bodies, governments, professional bodies, lived-experience representative organizations, and for individuals living with mental illness and their families and carers. This article aims to provide a balanced overview and exploration of the history of coercive practices in psychiatry, current international practices, key ethical, human rights, and legislative considerations, current efforts to develop, investigate, and promote alternatives to coercion, and international recommendations for the future of mental health care. The article highlights current challenges, limita..