New Research Reveals Alarming Truth: Psych Hospitalizations in Allegheny County Often Cause More Harm Than Healing

Involuntary psychiatric hospitalization in Allegheny County may paradoxically lead some individuals toward violence or death, contradicting the intended purposes of civil commitment laws, according to recent research. Those at risk often display behaviors not typically warranting hospitalization but are still admitted due to a physician’s subjective judgment, frequently influenced by fears of liability. Instead of preventing self-harm or harm to others, hospitalization nearly doubles the likelihood of subsequent violent crime charges and increases the risk of suicide or overdose. This important study, co-authored by economists from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, establishes a causal connection between hospitalization and adverse outcomes post-discharge. The findings raise questions about the criteria for involuntary commitment under Pennsylvania's Mental Health Procedures Act. While this research enhances understanding of involuntary treatment outcomes, experts emphasize the need to evaluate individual experiences thoroughly and reconsider policies that may lead to detrimental consequences for vulnerable populations.