The author presents a review of complaints on psychiatric care which were sent in 1991–2001 to the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic. Based on formal and factual analysis of 163 complaints the most frequent cause of complaints are conflict situations as regards restriction of personal freedom (protective treatment, involuntary hospitalization), criticism of provided care (disagreement, ineffectiveness, attitude of health professionals, environment). Complaints are most frequently submitted by patients suffering from psychoses, in particular schizophrenia and personality disorders. A frequent motive of complaints is inadequate information provided to patients, lack of confidence, limited mutual collaboration, reduced dignity and pathological uncritical acceptance. From an analysis of the complaints a useful critical view on the work of health professionals by patients can be obtained and suggestions for improvement of the activities of health professionals in psychiatric care.

        Key words: complaints of psychiatric patients, conflict situations, protective treatment, involuntary hospitalization, personality disorders, pathological uncritical acceptance.