Seclusion: An International Comparison

Abstract

A review of the national and international literature on seclusion of psychiatric patients established its wide use throughout the countries located with use of primary or secondary published data. Although the form seclusion took varied considerably, with some embroiling the concept under the rubric of restraint, it became apparent that in the extremes of violence it was unavoidable.

All the countries reviewed expressed concerns regarding the use of seclusion including the non-psychiatrized country highlighted, but were unable to provide a realistic practical alternative as an emergency measure.