Patients' Rights and Restrictions in Mental Health Care

Coercion and violence are relevant in the context of psychiatric treatment in different forms; they are often treated as its inevitable component. With the concept and the institution 'psychiatry', the restriction of patients' rights and legitimation of coercion seem to be standing subjects of discussion alongside the actual medical care. The article focuses on selected topics like involuntary commitment, compulsory treatment, coercive measures and advance directives. It concentrates on the developments since 2011 and - for the purpose of the general theme of this issue - provides an overview on users' rights and restrictions in psychiatry.