Involuntary Psychiatric Hospitalization and Risk Management: The Ethical Considerations

During an era where physicians go to great lengths to limit personal risk and ensure self-protection from lawsuits, psychiatrists may be inclined to err on the side of involuntarily hospitalizing patients who have been briefly evaluated in the emergency room or clinic setting. However, conscientious treatment decisions, particularly those pertaining to involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, need to address at least two fundamental ethical concerns: the patient\u27s best interests and the clinician\u27s motives. This article discusses the moral components involved in clinical decision making and presents a case example which highlights the ethical implications of involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations