Evaluating the clinical impact of involuntary admission to a specialized dual diagnosis ward

Background: We aimed to identify characteristics and outcomes of involuntary and voluntary admissions of dual-diagnosis patients in a single, large mental health center in Israel. Methods: Using a retrospective chart review methodology, 24 patient records were reviewed spanning a period of five years; clinical and demographic variables of voluntary and involuntary admissions were compared. Results: No significant differences were found in sociodemographic characteristics, admission diagnosis and length of hospitalization between the two types of admission. A smaller proportion of patients discharged from involuntary admissions were in remission compared to those discharged from voluntary admission. Nevertheless, involuntary admissions were associated with longer time to next hospitalization. Limitations: The data were based on a small number of patients in a single ward, thus the generalizability of the results is uncertain. Conclusions: The finding of the current study that involuntary admission leads to longer tenure in the community suggests that there may be clinical advantages to involuntary admissions for certain dual diagnosis patients.