Mental health law in Denmark

Mette Brandt-Christensen

doi:10.1192/S1749367600003386

Mental health law in Denmark

Part of: BJPsych International Mental Health Law Profile Collection

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 January 2018

Mette Brandt-Christensen

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Mette Brandt-Christensen*: Affiliation:
Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark, email mettebrandtchristensen@dadlnet.dk

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Abstract

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Abstract

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In Denmark, the parliament passed the first Mental Health Act (MHA) in 1938. A new Act was passed in 1989, based on a thorough report from the Ministry of Justice. The 1989 Act emphasised the protection of citizens' legal rights in relation to compulsory admission, detention and treatment in psychiatric hospitals. That Act is still in operation, although it has been amended several times. In 2006 the definition of ‘compulsion’ was changed, and a 2010 amendment introduced compulsory treatment in the community for a trial period of 4 years.

Type: Mental health law profiles
Information: International Psychiatry , Volume 9 , Issue 4 , November 2012 , pp. 88 - 90

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1192/S1749367600003386 [Opens in a new window]
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