Background: Mental health issues is becoming more common in todays’ society, and the severe mental health issues that may need inpatient care is increasing. In cases where patients decline voluntary care despite being in need of it the situation may demand involuntary care, where coercive measures may be a part of their care. Between the years 2015-2019 about 41.000 patients were being cared for involuntarily within inpatient care in Sweden. Society’s view on mental health issues has been continuingly improving over the past decades, there is however still room for improvement in both 11reception and treatment of patients, but maybe more discreet than previously. 

Aim: The aim of this study is to explore adult patients experiences of coercive measures within inpatient psychiatric care. 

Method: A qualitative literature study analysing 10 original articles was conducted using qualitative content analysis according to Graneheim & Lundman. 

Results: Two main categories and six subcategories were identified. The first main category was positive patient experiences, with the subcategories feelings of safety, support amongst fellow patients, and retrospective understanding. The second main category was negative patient experiences, where the subcategories were lack of information, stigma & shame, and ill-treatment from staff. 

Keywords: coercive measures, inpatient care, psychiatry, patient experience