Social and clinical determinants of 30 compulsory admissions (CAs) to a psychiatric ward during a six-month period were compared to 134 voluntary admissions (VAs), and outcomes of hospitalisation were assessed in relation to its types. Psychosocial and clinical characteristics at admission and discharge were measured using 5 scales. Unemployment, hospitalisations >7 days and continuing hospitalisation in Community Mental Health Centres were positively associated with CA. At admission, CAs showed lower functioning, while outcome at discharge was similar. Social determinants had a main role in determining CAs. Clinical and psychosocial outcomes might have been improved by a mental health system community-based.