Involuntary commitment
Involuntary commitment (also known as civil commitment) is a legal process through which an individual with symptoms of severe mental illness is court-ordered into treatment in a hospital (inpatient) or in the community (outpatient).
Pronunciation
In-vol-un-tary com-mit-ment
Etymology
The term "involuntary commitment" is derived from the Latin words "involuntarius" meaning not willing, and "commitment" from the Latin "committere" meaning to entrust.
Definition
Involuntary commitment is a procedure by which a person is admitted to a psychiatric hospital (or similar facility) against their will, because they have been deemed to pose a significant risk to themselves or others due to a mental disorder.
Related Terms
- Mental Health Act: The legislation that provides the framework for compulsory admission to hospital.
- Psychiatric hospital: A hospital specializing in the treatment of serious mental disorders.
- Mental disorder: A condition that affects a person's thinking, feeling, behavior, or mood.
- Outpatient: A patient who receives medical treatment without being admitted to a hospital.
- Inpatient: A patient who is admitted to a hospital for treatment with the expectation that the patient will remain in the hospital for a period of at least 24 hours.
Legal Aspects
Involuntary commitment laws vary widely by country and even by state within countries. Generally, involuntary commitment is considered when an individual is in danger of harming themselves or others, or is unable to care for themselves due to a mental disorder. The process usually involves a court hearing where evidence is presented and a decision is made by a judge or a board of health officials.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Involuntary commitment
- Wikipedia's article - Involuntary commitment
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