ABSTRACT
This chapter examines and contrasts the treatment of female psychiatric patients in Ireland and England and Wales. It focuses on the role of psychiatry in oppressing women and highlights deficiencies in the treatment, standards and quality of care, and mental health facilities for women in both countries. Historically, the treatment of women within society, and by medical profession in particular, has been characterized by coercion and domination. This is especially evident in the sphere of mental health. The chapter outlines particular areas of concern for women, stemming from the application of the mental health legislation in both countries and the regime that follows compulsory commitment. It then highlights inadequacies in the current treatment of women in the mental hospital systems of Ireland and England and Wales. Compulsory psychiatric admission in England and Wales is currently governed by the Mental Health Act 1983. Detention in Ireland is governed by the Mental Treatment Act 1945 as amended.
