Commitments to mental hospitals in Denmark, 1971-1987

Abstract

Engberg M. Commitments to mental hospitals in Denmark, 1971-1987.

Age-standardized rates of commitment of mentally ill patients in Denmark from 1971 to 1987 were studied on the basis of information from the Danish nationwide Psychiatric Case Register. A decrease in incidence and age-standardized rates of commitment due to an evenly distributed decrease in incidence rates of both sexes and all age groups was found during the 1970s. Since 1983 the general commitment rate has been stable. Throughout the observation period the relative risk of commitment for men compared with women was increased, and the risk of being evaluated as dangerous was increased for men compared with women. The proportion of schizophrenic patients among the committed has increased, and commitment of patients diagnosed as non-psychotic during the stay in hospital has become less common.

Key Words:

• Commitment of mentally ill
• Trends
• Forensic psychiatry