The use of coercive methods in Danish psychiatry has decreased by approximately ten percent between 2021-2023 and 2024, according to the Danish Health Authority. This decline includes fewer instances of belt fixations, restraints, and the use of acute sedative medication.

Nanna Skovgaard, Deputy Director of the Danish Health Authority, views the reduction as a “positive” development, noting the collective effort by regions to use less coercion. However, she cautions that the data covers only a short period, making it “too early to conclude that the decline is sustained.”

The reduction in coercive measures has been a long-standing goal for regional health authorities, aiming for a 30 percent reduction by 2030.

Jane Alrø Sørensen, Secretary General of Bedre Psykiatri, welcomes the news, stating, “It seems that the psychiatric departments have broken the coercion curve.” She expressed hope that the figures indicate a shift towards prioritizing patience, relationships, and care over physical restraints and medication.

While coercion is recognized as a serious infringement on individual autonomy, the Danish Health Authority acknowledges its potential necessity in situations where patients are unable to care for themselves. When coercion is unavoidable, it must be the least intrusive and of the shortest possible duration.

In the previous year, there were 15,655 episodes involving belt fixations, restraints, and/or acute sedative medication for adults, affecting 2745 individuals. For children, there were 1975 similar episodes, impacting 130 children and young people.