Which of the following best describes the difference between a voluntary and an involuntary commitment in the context of diagnosing psychological disorders?

• A. Voluntary commitment is always temporary, but involuntary commitment is always permanent.
• B. Voluntary commitment requires a court order, whereas involuntary commitment does not involve any legal procedures.
• C. Voluntary commitment occurs when a patient chooses to admit themselves for treatment, while involuntary commitment is when a patient is admitted without their consent due to risk of harm to self or others.
• D. Involuntary commitment is only used for substance abuse disorders, while voluntary commitment is used for all other psychological disorders.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of voluntary commitment. This occurs when an individual willingly admits themselves to a mental health facility for treatment, indicating their consent and choice in seeking help.
2. Step 2: Understand the concept of involuntary commitment. This happens when an individual is admitted to a mental health facility without their consent, usually because they are considered a danger to themselves or others, or unable to care for themselves due to a psychological disorder.
3. Step 3: Recognize the key difference lies in consent and legal procedures. Voluntary commitment is based on the patient's choice, while involuntary commitment typically involves legal processes such as court orders or evaluations by mental health professionals.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the options given in the problem by comparing them to these definitions. Identify which statement accurately reflects the nature of voluntary and involuntary commitments in terms of consent and legal involvement.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is that voluntary commitment occurs when a patient chooses to admit themselves for treatment, whereas involuntary commitment is when a patient is admitted without their consent due to risk of harm to self or others.