Restraints in the Treatment of Dissociative Disorders: a Follow-up of Twenty Patients

The use of voluntary restraint during 245 sessions with 20 hospitalized patients with dissociative disorders was examined. Benefits were obtained in 230 instances, & 117 complications, e.g. patient attempts at self-injury, were encountered during 45 sessions. 1 patient completed suicide within 24 hours of a restraint session. Clinical vignettes of 2 women, one of whom attempted suicide several times while an inpatient, are provided. (7 refs.)