The effects of outpatient civil commitment on community tenure and
functioning were studied in a group of 20 patients with a history of
recurrent hospitalizations, noncompliance with outpatient treatment, and
good response to treatment. During the first 12 months of outpatient
commitment, patients experienced significant reductions in visits to the
psychiatric emergency service, hospital admissions, and lengths of stay
compared with the 12 months before commitment. They significantly increased
the number of appointments kept with their psychiatrist. It appears that
when used judiciously, outpatient civil commitment is a helpful tool in
maintaining hospital recidivists in the community.
Abstract Teaser