INVOLUNTARY HOSPITALIZATION FOR THE PROTECTION OF PERSONS WITH MENTAL ILLNES

Abstract

Some psychiatric illnesses and conditions require procedures and involuntary hospitalization for
protection that is they require the use of involuntary placement and involuntary detention in order to
protect the mentally ill and their loved ones who are at risk due to their mental illness. Criminal and
misdemeanor proceedings are often conducted against these persons. These persons are regarded as
mentally incompetent and are a threat for themselves and the society. The paper discusses the latter in
detail by analyzing the legal provisions of Bosnian and Croatian legislation.
Involuntary hospitalization is required for persons who are seriously dangerous for their own or someone
else's life due to severely impaired mental health. The most frequently prosecuted patients in this group
are those with psychotic disorders, whit a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophrenia-like disorders and
delusions, and other mental and behavioral disorders caused by psychoactive substances and persons
with personality disorders in psychotic decompensation.
The main objective is to explain the legislation on physical freedom in order to protect persons with
mental disabilities in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Croatia -similarities
and differences and court proceedings for involuntary hospitalization. One of the objectives is to prove
that the synergy of patients or people with mental disorders, physicians and the community facilities
voluntary hospitalization, all for the purpose of helping and protecting the mentally ill.