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Even though a good attitude towards therapy and adherence are key to an effective treatment, in certain circumstances the use of coercive actions in people with mental disorders is the only way to prevent serious harm to the patient and to others. The choice to use coercive measures, such as involuntary internment, is a challenge for doctors, since not only do they have to deal with the patient and their relatives who are in a highly emotional situation, but there are also complex legal regulations. To defend the rights of patients in these difficult situations, and to avoid legal consequences for clinical staff due to illegal acts, it is essential that staff are familiar with all of the relevant legal rules and procedures. Further studies are warranted to obtain clear conclusions regarding differences between involuntary internment and illegal retention.