Compulsory psychiatric hospitalization as a measure for the protection of older people

Abstract

Psychiatric hospitalization is controversial, especially when there is no consent of the subject. Even in contemporary times, compulsory psychiatric hospitalization (IPC), is considered as a specific sector protective measure against the violation of elderly people’s rights. This paper identifies, based on court proceedings, how IPCs are done in a midsize city in the state of São Paulo. We used the documentary analysis of civil cases prosecutors, in the light of public health policies, of the mental health and of the Federal Constitution. The protection of the elderly is established via removal of the offender from his home. Actions by the Network of Guaranteed Inter-sectorial Care in the current public policies, previous to the IPC, were not identified.