In this study the factors leading to involuntary admission are investigated.
Half of the admissions was involuntarily of which 89% under an ibs (inbewaringstelling, given for a period of three weeks in case of acute danger) and 11% under rm (rechterlijke machtiging, given for a period of half a year in case of not acute danger). The most important criteria of danger concerning an ibs were: serious risk of selfharm or suicide (in 50%), serious risk of selfneglect (in 37%), and serious danger for the safety of persons and goods in general (35%).
Within one week half of the involuntary admissions was discontinued by the judge or the psychiatrist on insufficient grounds. In 42% of the remaining cases the ibs was followed by a rm. In conclusion there was significant agreement between the opinion of the judge and the psychiatrist regarding the necessity of involuntary admission.