Coercive measures are frequently used in psychiatric hospitalization. However, there are few studies that analyse perceived coercion, post‐traumatic stress, and subjective satisfaction with the hospitalization treatment associated with different types of coercive measures. The sample consisted of 111 patients admitted to two psychiatric units and divided into three groups based on the measure applied: involuntary medication (N = 41), mechanical restraint (N = 32), and combined measures (mechanical restraint and involuntary medication; N = 38). The outcome variables were perceived coercion evaluated with the Coercion Experience Scale (CES), post‐traumatic stress evaluated with the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), and satisfaction with the treatment evaluated with the Client's Assessment of Treatment (CAT). The results found higher levels of perceived coercion associated with the use of mechanical restraint (P = 0.002) and combined measures (P < 0.001) in comparison with involuntary medication. Additionally, in relation to post‐traumatic stress, mechanical restraint (P = 0.013) and combined measures (P = 0.004) were more stressful compared to involuntary medication. Finally, the use of combined measures was associated with lower satisfaction with inpatient psychiatric treatment compared to the use of involuntary medication (P = 0.006). The following recommendation would be consistent with the results found: if a patient does not specify a preference for some type of measure, involuntary medication could be used and mechanical restraint avoided, especially when used in combination with involuntary medication.

Introduction: Mechanical restraint is a controversial restrictive practice to manage agitation or violent behaviour. Numerous studies have evaluated the factors and organizational changes that influence on mechanical restraint, but only for short time periods. None of those studies have assessed the effects of measures applied within the framework of a long-term plan to reduce the use of mechanical restraint. Given the lack of specific legislation in Spain, more data are required for its proper regulation.

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