Emergency compulsory admissions in the Netherlands: fluctuating patterns in Rotterdam, 1929-2005.

The article presents a study which determines the social changes in public mental health that contributed to variations in the use of emergency compulsory admissions in Rotterdam, Netherlands from 1929-2005. Annual reports and administrative data gathered within the period indicate the impact of general and local factors. These local factors include the availability of alternative arrangements, the interpretation of the criteria for compulsory admissions and better collaboration of services.