Dwang en bemoeizorg in de psychiatrie

- It is becoming increasingly clear that the autonomy and legal position of psychiatric patients are impediments to their adequate care. There is a strong emphasis on the voluntary cooperation of the patient involved. The patient as a person appears to be more important than his or her health status. There will always be tension between the right to self-determination and the dangers to the patient’s health. There is a need for a law addressing the necessity to treat. In addition, a chain of care should be developed encompassing the whole spectrum of care institutions and centred around the individual’s needs for food, shelter, care, financial support and medical attention.

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2006;150:286-8