Abstract
Background: There is a paucity of research into the experience of compulsory admissions under the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983/2007, particularly for adults with psychosis, yet this diagnostic group reportedly account for the largest proportion of compulsory admissions.
Aims: This UK-based study’s objective was to explore the compulsory admission experiences (under the MHA 1983/2007) of service users with psychosis, and to identify key characteristics of these experiences.
Design: The qualitative method “Grounded Theory” (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) was employed as it worked inductively from the data. Seventeen participants (eight service users with psychosis, nine psychiatrists) were interviewed.
Results: Five higher-order categories and 47 categories were identified and are displayed in a model entitled “A disturbing journey to and from detention”.
Conclusion: This small-scale qualitative study achieved its objectives, exploring compulsory admission experiences (under the MHA 1983/2007) of service users with psychosis in England, and identified key characteristics of these experiences. Service and clinical implications are highlighted, with scope for further research.
Declaration of interest
There were no financial affiliations associated with this research. However, gratitude is offered to Mr Nigel Bunker for his support.