Increase in involuntary measures reported at Psychiatric Department in Faroe Islands

In 2023, staff at the Psychiatric Department reported 92 instances of involuntary measures, including forced admissions, restraints, and enforced sedation. There has also been an increase in the number of involuntary admissions.

Súsanna Olsen, the chairperson of Sinnisbata, suggests that one reason for this increase may be premature discharges of patients from the hospital.

On the other hand, Tormóður Stórá, the lead psychiatrist at the department, disagrees. He does not believe that early discharges are a problem contributing to the rise in involuntary admissions. He stated that there are currently no indications regarding why the number of involuntary admissions is increasing.

Both Olsen and Stórá participated in a discussion earlier in the day, addressing these concerns. Further statistics on involuntary admissions and other coercive measures in psychiatry from 2009 to 2023 will be available on our website later today.