Objective To assess the frequency of compulsory admissions to psychiatric hospitals in immigrants and members of ethnic minorities compared to German patients. Methods The rates and quotas of compulsory admissions were assessed in the city of Frankfurt/Main during one year (2005). The data were compared to the epidemiological data of the inhabitants of the catchment area of the clinic (control group). Results The findings show a lower rate of admission to the psychiatric hospital in immigrants and members of ethnic minorities. The quota of compulsory admissions compared to the total rate of admissions to the psychiatric hospital was higher in immigrants and members of ethnic minorities. The rate of compulsory admissions out of 100000 population in immigrants and members of ethnic minorities was similar to the rate of compulsory admissions in German population. Conclusions Although some methodological limitations exist the findings are in line with results from other European and non-European countries. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart.

Compulsory admissions ethnic minorities Involuntarily admissions immigrants

hospital admission Germany immigrant hospitalization middle aged medical research ethnic group Aged Mental Disorders Cross-Sectional Studies Young Adult Humans Adolescent Minority Groups male Emigrants and Immigrants female Aged, 80 and over Article adult mental hospital Commitment of Mentally Ill