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Objective: Large numbers of psychiatric patients either are involuntarily admitted to hospital treatment or feel coerced despite a legally voluntary admission. For ethical and clinical reasons, their perceived coercion should be reduced as far as possible. There is however limited evidence on patient characteristics associated with perceived coercion during hospital treatment. This study aimed to identify i) sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with perceived coercion at admission and ii) changes in symptoms and global functioning associated with changes in perceived coercion over time. Method: Three thousand and ninety three in-patients who were involuntarily admitted or felt coerced to hospital treatment despite a legally voluntary admission were recruited in the European evaluation of coercion in psychiatry and harmonization of best clinical practice - EUNOMIA project in 11 European countries. Perceived coercion, global functioning and symptoms were assessed after admission and at a 3-month follow-up. Results: Involuntary admission, female gender, poorer global functioning and more positive symptoms were associated with higher levels of perceived coercion at admission. Perceived coercion significantly decreased over time, and the improvements in global functioning and positive symptoms were associated with reduction in perceived coercion. Conclusion: Female patients perceive more coercion in psychiatric hospital treatment. Effective treatment for positive symptoms and improving patients' global functioning may lead to a reduction in perceived coercion.

In spite of their proven efficacy, psychoeducational interventions for families of patients with schizophrenia are not being commonly applied in clinical practice. In this report, we present the preliminary results of a one-year follow-up study on the implementation and effectiveness of a psychoeducational family intervention in six European countries. Forty-eight professionals were involved in the study and provided the intervention for one year to 55 families of patients with schizophrenia. During the implementation period, the professionals reported significant organisational difficulties in the provision of the intervention, but acknowledged an improvement of their relationships with users and their families. At follow-up assessment, statistically significant improvements were found in patients' symptoms and social functioning as well as in relatives' burden, coping strategies and social resources.

Background: Coercion has always existed in psychiatry and is increasingly debated. The 'move into the community' in many countries over recent decades and the evolution of community services have substantially altered the locus of coercion. In many countries psychiatric services remain poorly funded and patchy. Substantial differences between regions and countries in the provision of services, the role of the family, and the wider economic and political climate are likely to lead to different sources and experiences of coercion. Discussion: This paper explores a number of factors that may affect the prevalence and type of coercion in psychiatric services and in society and their impact upon those with severe mental illnesses. Differences in service provision are explored and wider societal issues that may impact are considered along with relevant evidence. Conclusions: Coercion is commonly experienced by those with severe mental illnesses but is poorly understood. The vast majority of research relates to High Income Group countries with developed community services and formal mental health legislation that adopt the so-called 'medical model'. Further research and collaboration is urgently required to increase our understanding of these issues, which are difficult to define and measure. An evidence base that is relevant worldwide, not just to a small group of countries, is needed to inform training and the care of all patients. A particular focus must be expanding our knowledge and understanding of coercion in cultures outside those where such research has traditionally taken place to date. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.