Despite the escalation in the number of adolescent psychiatric institutionalizations, no adequate, less restrictive alternatives to coping with this difficult population have been developed. There is little or no research on the outcome effects of adolescent psychiatric inpatient treatment; seclusion and restraint are not included in what research does exist. Even when the necessity for use of such procedures is recognized, there are few guidelines for their application. Mental health professionals working with many different age groups and in multitudinous settings need to confront the issues raised by the ramifications of restraint and seclusionary measures. 10 references