PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALIZATIONS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF BIOETHICAL PRINCIPLES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Bioethics is essential for analyzing medical practices, especially in psychiatric interventions, where the tension between patient autonomy and beneficence becomes evident. From this perspective, the aim of this study is to discuss the application of the bioethical principles of autonomy and beneficence in compulsory psychiatric interventions. This is an integrative literature review with a descriptive and qualitative approach. The bibliographic search was conducted in two relevant health databases: the National Library of Medicine (PubMed) and the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), using the following search strategy: (Psychiatric disorders OR psychiatric emergency OR psychiatry) AND (compulsory admission OR involuntary admission OR coercion) AND (ethics OR bioethics). The intervention is justified as it protects patients who are unable to act in their own best interests. Dismissing coercion as “unethical” is an oversimplification, since in emergency situations it is necessary to balance competing values. Thus, the use of coercion involves the challenge of respecting patient autonomy, making it crucial to find a balance between promoting good (beneficence) and avoiding harm (non-maleficence). Involuntary psychiatric treatment is complex and controversial, requiring a balance between patient autonomy and the safety of all. This review indicates that, although coercive measures such as restraint and seclusion are common, they raise ethical concerns and may conflict with the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence. Promoting a care-centered approach and increasing transparency in decision-making can enhance patient involvement and respect for their dignity.