In this article the possibilities of self binding in psychiatry are explored. By way of a `self binding agreement' of `Ulysses contract', a mentally ill person who suffers from periodical decompensation may arrange the conditions under which he agrees to be committed and/or treated in future situations of decompensation, even if then he would refuse admission/treatment, and the legal dangerousness criterion is not met.

Ten basic requirements of a Ulysses contract are formulated, and some objections against self binding in psychiatry are evaluated. It is concluded that self binding is a form of prospective treatment planning, and is an expression of a self-chosen bal- ancing of the ethical principles of beneficence and respect for autonomy.