The efficacy of involuntary outpatient treatment in Massachusetts

Jeffrey L. Geller, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Albert J. Grudzinskas Jr., University of Massachusetts Medical School
Melissa McDermeit, Lighthouse Institute of Chestnut Health Systems
William H. Fisher, University of Massachusetts Medical School
Ted Lawlor, University of Connecticut Health Center

Abstract

One means to address some of the unintended consequences of the shift of treatment for individuals with serious mental illness from hospitals to communities has been involuntary outpatient treatment (IOT). Using Massachusetts data, 19 patients with court orders for IOT were matched to all and to best fits on demographic and clinical variables, and then to individuals with the closest fit on utilization before the IOT date. Outcomes indicated the IOT group had significantly fewer admissions and hospital days after the court order. The full impact of IOT requires more study, particularly directed toward IOT's effects on insight and quality of life.