Clinical and Demographic Characteristics of Patients Subjected to Physical Restraint in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Psychiatric intensive care units have significant implications for patient safety and clinical outcomes. Understanding the demographic and clinical characteristics of restrained patients is essential for developing evidence-based protocols and reducing unnecessary restraint use. The aim of this retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was to determine the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients subjected to physical restraint in a psychiatric intensive care unit.

METHODS

This descriptive cross-sectional study analyzed 138 patients subjected to physical restraint in a psychiatric intensive care unit between January 2023 and December 2023. Data were collected through systematic chart review using a standardized physical restraint monitoring form from the Hospital Quality and Standards System, designed specifically for type 2 (behavioral safety) restraint documentation. Variables included demographic characteristics, primary diagnoses, restraint indications, and clinical outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS, version 28.0. The study followed STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Out of 138 patients, 95 (68.8%) were male with a mean age of 51.48 Å} 15.02 years. Primary restraint indications included noncompliance with medical treatment (39 patients, 28.3%), severe agitation (37 patients, 26.8%), orientation disturbances (32 patients, 23.2%), and self-harm behaviors (30 patients, 21.7%). The most common primary diagnoses were nonorganic psychosis (55 patients, 39.9%), bipolar disorder (30 patients, 21.7%), and delirium tremens (20 patients, 14.5%). Mean intensive care unit length of stay was 11.87 Å} 14.04 days.

CONCLUSION

This study provides essential baseline data on physical restraint use in psychiatric intensive care, demonstrating male predominance and identifying key clinical indicators. These findings support the development of targeted interventions and evidence-based restraint protocols to optimize patient care while minimizing restrictive practices. Cite this article as: Cengisiz C, Nehir S. Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients subjected to physical restraint in a psychiatric intensive care unit: A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study. Eurasian J Med. 2026, 58(3), 0961, doi: 10.5152/ eurasianjmed.2026.25961.