A new report from the association Psynlighet compiles 1,273 testimonies from patients in Swedish psychiatry, where poor treatment is the most common criticism. Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) describes the content as 'very touching' and emphasizes that coercive measures should only be used when absolutely necessary. The report highlights structural problems such as routine belt restraints and inadequate help.
The association Psynlighet has compiled 1,273 anonymous testimonies from patients treated in Swedish psychiatry, collected between 2019 and 2025. The report reveals serious shortcomings: 729 testimonies concern poor treatment by healthcare staff, 236 about medication, 275 about patients being bounced between institutions, 137 about coercive measures like belt restraints, and 98 about violence and abuse.
One of the report's authors, Signe Bennich Karlstedt, states: 'What we see among other things is that the problems are structural. Patients are bounced around between different instances and many do not get the help they need.' She calls it alarming that over half of the testimonies involve poor treatment and suggests using patient experiences as a knowledge base to improve care.
Social Minister Jakob Forssmed (KD) reacts to the report: 'Very touching.' He adds: 'Coercive measures should only occur when it is absolutely necessary' and notes that psychiatry has been underprioritized for a long time. It is important to take the testimonies seriously, according to the minister.
In Uppsala, 28-year-old Emma Gustafsson shares her experience of compulsory care at Akademiska sjukhuset. After a suicide attempt, she was met by a doctor who said: 'If I really wanted to end my life, I wouldn't be sitting here.' She describes the care as 'detention and medication' with a lack of conversational contact. Department head Tea Sundsten at the hospital's psychiatry declines to comment due to confidentiality but encourages patients to provide feedback to develop care: 'Patients' views on the care are a valuable way for us to continue developing the care.'
