An Exploratory Study about Factors and Outcomes Associated with the Experience of Coercive Measures in Mental Health Settings

• Published in: Psychiatric quarterly 2025-01
• Main Authors: Herrera-Imbroda, Jesús, Carbonel-Aranda, Vera, García-Illanes, Yaiza, Aguilera-Serrano, Carlos, Bordallo-Aragón, Antonio, García-Spínola, Edgar, Torres-Campos, Daniel, Villagrán, José María, García-Sanchez, Juan Antonio, Mayoral-Cleries, Fermín, Guzmán-Parra, José
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0033-2720; 1573-6709; 1573-6709
• DOI: 10.1007/s11126-024-10110-w

Coercive measures are commonly used in mental health settings despite their negative effects. The subjective experience of coercion varies widely, and its short- and long-term health impacts are not well understood. This study aimed to analyze the association between different types of coercive measures experienced during psychiatric hospitalization, the subjective experience of coercion, and both short- and long-term health outcomes. The study included 111 patients from two mental health units who experienced coercive measures (mechanical restraint, involuntary medication, or both). Perceived coercion was assessed during hospitalization. Short-term outcomes (post-traumatic stress and treatment satisfaction) were evaluated before discharge, while long-term outcomes (functionality improvement, risk of readmission, and suicidal behavior) were assessed at five-year follow-up. Perceived coercion was associated with higher post-traumatic stress (p