Alternatives to Compulsory Detention and Treatment and Coercive Practices in Mental Health Settings

Informed consent to medical treatment is generally presumed to be central to the provision of good quality health care. Despite this presumption, legislation exists in many countries that enables the compulsory detention and treatment of people with severe mental health conditions regardless of their wishes. This column discusses global efforts to reduce, prevent and end compulsory detention, treatment and coercive practices in mental health and community settings. It summarises the current state of research, identifying overarching themes in the search for effective non-coercive practices, before focusing on hospital and community-based initiatives.