Compulsory psychiatric detention and treatment in Finland

Despite efforts to integrate and harmonise legislation across the member states of the European Union (EU), mental health legislation, including legislation for the detention and treatment of offenders with mental disorders, differs widely across Europe.With changes to the Mental Health Act 1983 in the UK currently underway, investigating the different approaches to compulsory psychiatric care in other countries can be a stimulating and worthwhile exercise. We explored the Finnish mental health law with regard to compulsory admission and treatment and forensic care. Relevant differences between the Finnish approach and legislation in other European countries will be discussed. Finland has a population of approximately 5 255580; a total of 4.3 million Finns (82.3%) live in urban communities, and Finland’s economic structure is that of a typical urbanised country. Primary production is now a source of employment for only 6% of the population, 27% work in industry and construction and 66% in trade and services. Unemployment rates have been high, between 10 and 15%, in the past 10 years (see http://virtual.finland.fi).