Remands for Psychiatric Examination in Ontario, 1969–70

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Abstract
This study of 787 men and women remanded for psychiatric examination in Ontario, 1969-1970, was undertaken to explore the clinico-legal pathways which result in people being categorized as patients or offenders. It was also anticipated that the study would provide data on the variations between hospitals in psychiatric diagnosis and recommendations, as well as the extent to which such recommendations were accepted by the Courts. The data on the 707 men revealed that inpatient treatment was recommended by psychiatrists in 175 cases (25 per cent). This recommendation was accepted by the Courts in 84 per cent of cases. Outpatient treatment, recommended in 245 cases (35 per cent) was accepted by the Courts in only one-third. No psychiatric recommendations were made in 287 (40 per cent). It can be concluded that many of these remands to hospital were unnecessary and that the lack of understanding between some of the Courts and some of the psychiatric hospitals results in injustice to patients and misuse of scarce psychiatric resources.

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