2025 Volume 45 Pages 996-1006
Objective: This study aimed to clarify the experiences of families when an assessment is done on their family member confirming that involuntary admission under Japan’s involuntary hospitalization system is not required.
Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight family members whose cases were assessed as not requiring involuntary hospitalization after 2005. The data were analyzed using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach.
Results: The families experienced a cyclic process of daily crises, referred to as the “Normalization of Involvement.” This process began with “Anxiety and Everyday Involvement,” moved through “Conflict over Requests for Support,” and then to “Responses to All Stakeholders.” Following the decision that hospitalization was not required, the families faced “Anger and Despair” and subsequently “Confrontation with the Lack of Support.” Later, they attempted “Coordination to Secure Medical Support” and “Environmental Adjustment through Separation” but ultimately returned to a “Daily Life without a Sense of Improvement” and persistent difficulties.
Conclusions: Even after the determination of non-admission, families continued to experience crises and faced isolation due to the lack of systemic support. Ongoing support systems, including psychiatric emergency outreach and the provision of temporary separation environments, are needed to assist these families.
