A new report from the patient organization Psynlighet reveals serious structural deficiencies in Swedish psychiatric care, according to sources published on February 26, 2026. The organization collected 1,273 anonymous testimonies from individuals who received psychiatric care between 2019 and 2025.
Freja Lindstedt from Psynlighet stated that patients report experiencing everything from violence to poor treatment. 'There are structural deficiencies,' Lindstedt said. 'Patients feel powerless. Many experience various forms of poor treatment.'
There are structural deficiencies. Patients feel powerless. Many experience various forms of poor treatment.
The testimonies describe routine belt restraints and heavy medication as the only treatment options available to some patients. Some accounts include reports of violence and abuse.
Lindstedt expressed hope that the report will lead to healthcare providers listening more to patients. 'Greater patient influence is crucial for better psychiatric care,' she emphasized.
Greater patient influence is crucial for better psychiatric care.
The report represents one of the largest collections of patient experiences in Swedish psychiatric care in recent years, highlighting systemic issues that patients face within the healthcare system.