Forcing a person to go into a psychiatric hospital

[Rainbow Dash]

I've been wondering, if you are over the age of 18 and a risk to yourself but not to other people could they physically force you to go into a psychiatric hospital?

By "they" I mean doctors/police.

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Yes they are able to force you into a psychiatric hospital. Depending where you are the processes may differ but for Canada, under the Mental Health Act there are "forms" that a doctor fills out. Each form specifies a certain max amount of time you are to be involuntarily admitted and during the involuntary admission, you are to receive treatment (voluntary or involuntary). http://www.camh.net/Care_Treatment/R...legalform.html

To summarize it up from the link, the first few forms last about 72 hours, third lasts 2 weeks. The fourth form can initially be renewed for 2 months, then for 3 months and beyond that can be renewed indefinitely. As you get it renewed more and more, I imagine (although it's not stated) that you would be moved to a different facility probably a maximum security psychiatric hospital because the issues are quite severe. You're always allowed to petition against each renewal.

Main reasons for the involuntary admission are under the heading "Involuntary Admission" at: http://www.camh.net/Care_Treatment/R...es_rights.html

[*Jen*]

Yes they can. I have pretty much had it happen to me. It is only normally as a last resort if they think you are a major risk of harming yourself seriously. It is best to go voluntary though because being sectioned means you have less freedom and more of your rights taken off you.

[Kate*]

Yes, here they can force you for up to 72 hours if you're a serious risk to yourself.

[LeapOfFayth]

It's happened to me more than once, same as everyone else has said. Two doctors will talk to you and if they both agree then you can be admitted against your will for 3 days which can be renewed for longer pending inpatient observation.