When Yes is an Illusion of Consent in Psychiatry

8 million people are institutionalized in psychiatric hospitals each year.
(UN Global Mental Health report, 2020)

Many are labeled “voluntary”—yet say they felt forced or trapped.
(Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2023: 70% reported lack of real choice)

When consent is pressured, “yes” can still mean no.
(Riese v. St. Mary’s Hospital, 1987 — landmark case on forced medication)