Clinical impacts of compulsory outpatient treatment in patients with psychiatric disorders: an observational study.

This article examines the clinical impacts of compulsory outpatient treatment (COT) in patients with psychiatric disorders in Türkiye, focusing on its effectiveness in reducing psychiatric emergency admissions, hospitalizations, and total hospital stay durations. In a retrospective study of 141 patients primarily diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or schizoaffective disorder, significant reductions in emergency visits were observed 12 months after COT initiation, with hospitalization rates and lengths notably decreased in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The study found no significant influence of COT duration or frequency of compulsory follow-up visits on these clinical outcomes. The authors conclude that COT may be an effective intervention to reduce hospital readmissions and emergency service use, particularly for chronic psychiatric patients requiring continuous treatment, while noting the need for clearer mental health legislation in Türkiye to standardize such practices.