Exploring compulsory admission experiences of adults with psychosis in the UK using Grounded Theory

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.

Keywords:

• psychosis
• schizophrenia
• detained
• admitted
• sectioned
• experience

Declaration of interest

There were no financial affiliations associated with this research. However, gratitude is offered to Mr Nigel Bunker for his support.